Specter is not a flashy, youthful politician. His ways and manner are old school. Nevertheless, Specter deserves praise for his willingness to find workable solutions even if it means enduring the unrelenting criticism of those who see the world only through a distorting ideological lens.

The GOP will miss Specter’s prudence as it prepares to quiz Obama’s nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter. Already, Republicans are rolling out the abortion topic to stir opposition over a subject that is extremely unlikely to be considered further by the high court. The justices had their say, and the lower courts have marching orders on how to analyze restrictions. It borders on false representation for either side to make a judicial appointment turn on this issue.