In his newly released book, South Carolina U.S. Senator Jim DeMint is settling political scores with old rivals, including former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Arlen Spector
“He barely made eye contact, but I continued,” Mr. DeMint writes, referencing Mr. Specter. “‘I value your friendship.’ He cut me off and said, ‘I’ve heard enough,’ then stood up and walked away. I sat there for a few minutes staring at the floor, feeling sick and guilty.”
Mr. Specter lost his bid for the Democratic nomination to two-term Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak, who then lost to Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Pat Toomey.
Mr. DeMint notes that he expects Mr. Toomey, a tea-party leader, to assist him in creating increasing the political movement’s influence within the 2012 race.
Mr. DeMin’t books is also raising speculation that he will play an even larger role in the Republican presidential primary than previously thought. The South Carolina Republican, who has increased his role within the Republican presidential primary process, said last weekend that he will not support former Utah governor Jon Huntsman’s bid for president.
“For me, he’s out,” Mr. DeMint said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
The South Republican has repeatedly said he will not enter the 2012 race for the Republican presidential nomination, adding the he plans to influence the outcome of the race in a number of ways.
