Specter Plays Hooky to Take In Big Phillies Game

Republican presidential nominee John McCain says the Wall Street bailout negotiations are so important he came straight back to Washington after last night’s presidential debate with Democratic nominee Barack Obama in Mississippi. Lawmakers are working feverishly over the weekend to try to wrap up the crucial $700 billion bill to prevent a complete meltdown of the U.S. financial system.

It’s pretty weighty stuff, everyone in Washington agrees.

But for Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), some things are even more important, like the Philadelphia Phillies trying to clinch the National League East division title Saturday afternoon. Unlike most of the rest of the Philly fans, though, he doesn’t appear to be waving a rally towel, though.

On the Fox broadcast of the game, Specter is clearly visible in the second row behind home plate at Citizens Bank Park in South Philly. He’s wearing a suit and tie, though, so he’s ready to go if he needs to rush back to the Capitol to stand behind the congressional leadership at a press conference if he wants.

–Jeffrey Young