Toomey Commends Bipartisan Opposition to Civilian Trials for Terrorists
Calls on Specter and Sestak to Join Bipartisan Consensus
Contact: Nachama Soloveichik or Tim Kelly - 484.809.7994
Allentown, PA – U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey commended a bipartisan group of senators for issuing a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder urging him to reverse his decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other terrorists in civilian court rather than military commissions.
The bipartisan group of Senators consists of: Joe Lieberman (D-CT); Lindsey Graham (R-SC); Blanche Lincoln (D-AR); Susan Collins (R-ME); Jim Webb (D-VA); and John McCain (R-AZ).
Like the Senators signing the letter, Pat Toomey has grave concerns about the dangers posed by the Administration’s use of civilian trials for terrorists, such as disclosing classified evidence that will help our enemies in their terrorist plans. In the case of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the trial in New York City might also be used by terrorists to further their recruitment and radicalization goals.
Pat Toomey made the following comments:
"I commend Democratic Senators Webb, Lincoln, and Lieberman for supporting the right policy on terrorist trials, in spite of heavy pressure on them from Harry Reid and the White House. I challenge Arlen Specter and Joe Sestak to join this bipartisan effort. Unfortunately, ever since his party switch, Specter can always be counted on to reject any bipartisan consensus in favor of the extreme liberal position, which is where Joe Sestak is normally found. I don’t believe foreign terrorists are entitled to the generous legal protections of American civilian courts. Pennsylvanians deserve to know why Senator Specter and Congressman Sestak believe they are."
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