Specter lays on the comedy

MINNETONKA, Minn. -- U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Philadelphia) plans to keep his day job, but he certainly revels in stand-up comedy when addressing a crowd. Thursday morning was no different for the longtime senator.

"I'm always asked what I think my legacy will be when I leave office," Specter told Pennsylvania delegation over breakfast a the Southwest Marriott hotel. "My response is consistent -- it's too early in my career to say."

The quip and several others liked it drew laughter from delegates.

Specter had a recurrence of Hodgkin's disease early this year. The senator, who says he feels fine now, underwent chemotherapy, which took away his hair but gave him another joke.

"The number of suggestions I get to shave my head and become a sex symbol are rising," Specter said, but added he won't do so for two reasons. "Number 1, my wife is opposed to it. Number 2, I'm not qualified."