Former Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter has died at the age of 82. Specter achieved national prominence in the early 1990s during the confirmation hearings of future Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, when he harshly questioned Anita Hill, the law professor who had accused Thomas of sexual harassment. Specter drew criticism after accusing Hill of “perjury” and helping to push through Thomas’ controversial appointment. A longtime Republican, Specter again made headlines in 2009 when he crossed the aisle to join the Democrats. He retired after losing his seat the following year.