That future is jeopardized by a government that is nearly $15 trillion in debt and set to add $7 trillion more over the next decade, thanks to politicians unwilling to risk their jobs to make tough choices. Sadly, Pennsylvania voters have experience with this kind of politician.

Arlen Specter’s 29-year career as a Republican U.S. senator was characterized by eschewing principles for political expediency and provides a sad commentary on American politics. Last year, after realizing he was about to lose his seat to a conservative Republican primary challenger, Specter switched parties and along the way cast the deciding vote for ObamaCare.

Ultimately, no amount of desperate political contortions could save Specter from the judgment of the people. His rejection by Pennsylvania’s electorate offers hope that principles trump pure politics.

With Arlen Specter down, Tim Murphy should be the next to go.

Arlen Specter Republicans like Tim Murphy make a mockery of our political institutions by putting their own interests before their oath to preserve, protect and defend the United States Constitution. They ruin our economy by placing more value on their own jobs than the jobs of their constituents. They run up the nation’s credit card, making promises they know they cannot keep, hoping to bribe their constituents to re-elect them.

Just like Specter, Murphy is rated among the top 10 most liberal Republicans in Congress. Murphy, like Specter, has been consistent only in his support for more government spending. Whether billions for failed programs like “Cash for Clunkers,” or bailouts for Fannie and Freddie and the auto industry, Murphy has always jumped at the chance to use taxpayer dollars to keep special interests happy.

Without core principles, Murphy is prone to hypocrisy and cronyism. He has been a loud critic of the administration’s Solyndra debacle, yet enthusiastically supported Solyndra’s funding program.  He feigned outrage about Fisker using government loans overseas but aggressively pushed a similar financing arrangement for Westinghouse who, by the way, has delivered him more than $40,000 in political donations.  This kind of “pay to play” politics seems to be the rule, not the exception with Murphy: 62 percent of the pork-barrel spending projects he secured last year went directly to campaign contributors.

It’s no wonder Murphy is consistently rated one of the 25 Most Corrupt Members of Congress by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. When you put yourself before the office, it is only a matter of time before you compromise more than just your political beliefs.

Tim Murphy’s commitment to self-preservation stands in stark contrast to the kind of representative the voters of Western Pennsylvania deserve — one with real principles, integrity and candor.

I have the conviction and policy acumen to make the difficult decisions our country is facing. My campaign is about three things: limited government, pro-growth jobs policies and honest governance. I have extensive experience promoting solutions, working for well-respected offices and institutions where principles come first, even when unpopular.

We require leadership. Tim Murphy cannot provide it because he is the problem. Tim Murphy is an Arlen Specter Republican. Voters should deliver him Arlen Specter’s fate.

Evan Feinberg is challenging Tim Murphy for the GOP’s nomination next year in the 18th Congressional District. He lives in Upper St. Clair.