Never Give In
Battling Cancer in the Senate
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ISBN10: 0312573774
ISBN13: 9780312573775
Trade Paperback
288 Pages
$22.99
CA$24.99
In early 2004, Senator Specter was in the midst of a grueling primary race, facing significant opposition from the right as he worked to win his party's nomination to run for reelection for his Pennsylvania senate seat. It would be the most difficult election in his quarter-century career in the Senate. Following on its heels were two more challenges—the general-election race and opposition to his elevation as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, his lifelong ambition. He overcame all three challenges in time for his seventy-fifth birthday.
But exhaustion and fatigue were found to be far more serious. After a series of tests and consultation with several doctors, Specter was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, Stage IVB, the most advanced stage.
His cancer treatments came as he reached the height of his power—surrounded by political storms that polarized Washington and threatened to shut the Senate down. His leadership positions made it his job to manage Supreme Court nominations and public-health appropriations as he faced his own illness. He had fought on public-health issues for years, but now it added potency to the message that the messenger was ailing himself.
"Never give in" became Specter's mantra, invoking the famous words from Churchill in his battle with cancer. This book describes the treatment the Senator received, how he handled the side effects (both visible and private), and his decisions about how to manage life with a potentially fatal disease.
Reviews
Praise for Never Give In
"Written in Senator Specter's trademark candor, Never Give In is a compelling tale of survival—both personal and political—from one of the Senate's most independent voices. Riding the train home with him now for almost 25 years, I count Arlen among my closest friends in the Senate. The words 'courageous' and 'inspiring' hardly do him justice—but trust me, he is both."—Vice President Joe Biden
"Never Give In brims with the singular tenacity and humor that have characterized Arlen Specter's nearly thirty years in the United States Senate. This book is both an entertaining read and an unflinching account of the experience of fighting an intensely personal battle on a highly public stage."—Michael J. Fox
"He knows a thing or two about illness and politics. It's a hell of a read."—Larry King
"Working with Arlen for many years on the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have witnessed firsthand his spirited battles on the political stage. Even while confronting his physical trials, Senator Specter continued to be a great asset to Pennsylvania, the Senate, and our country. Highlighted by insight that only Arlen could provide, Never Give In portrays a life of courage and fortitude."—Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
"Understanding Arlen Specter's steely endurance is a key to understanding his success in the Senate and in life. Look up tenacity in the dictionary and you'll find Arlen's picture. Trial by fire has tempered him and made him stronger, and wiser."—Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee)
"I've been privileged to work side by side with Arlen for over 18 years. While I respect his intelligence and honesty, and value his friendship, perhaps most of all I have admired his toughness in the face of adversity. He just never gives up."—Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Reviews from Goodreads
BOOK EXCERPTS
Read an Excerpt
Chapter 1
Does stress cause cancer? A November 2005 New York Times article considered the connection between stress and cancer an open question but noted "a tenuous connection between stress, the immune system and cancer with a surprising...
About the author
Senator Arlen Specter with Frank J. Scaturro
