Sen. Arlen Specter has held one of Pennsylvania's two U.S. Senate seats for more than 20 years and, while some feel it's time for a change, others see his seniority as an asset.

Specter, R-Pa., will be defending his Senate seat against Democratic Congressman Joe Hoeffel in the Nov. 2 election.

Specter is Pennsylvania's first four-term senator, originally elected to his seat in 1980.

Some see his seniority in the Senate and moderate stance on many issues as an advantage for Pennsylvania.

Josh Wilson, Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania political director, said Specter's time in the Senate has allowed him to hold several powerful positions.

"Specter has built up a significant amount of seniority in the Senate and is seen as the go-to guy on a lot of issues," Wilson said. "His appeal across party lines and his seniority is very important when it comes to the legislative process."

Both Specter and Hoeffel have supported college aid through increases in the money available for Federal Pell Grants.

The increase resulted in an additional $427 million in college aid available in Pennsylvania.

Don Morabito, Pennsylvania Democratic Party executive director, said it is time for a change in Pennsylvania leadership, and Hoeffel has the political skills necessary to be an effective senator.

"Joe is a longtime public official at all levels of government. He has a broad background in local and state government as well as the national level," Morabito said.

Morabito said Hoeffel was a strong advocate for Penn State during his tenure as a state representative and said the cost of higher education has skyrocketed during Specter's 24-year tenure.

Megan Green, College Democrats president, said that to stop funding cuts to Penn State, a change at the local and state levels of leadership is needed.

Green has established a committee of the College Democrats to increase name recognition for Hoeffel at Penn State.

"I think that Hoeffel needs better name recognition, and that is something that we are dealing with. His biggest issue now is not having name recognition."

"Once people see his name, he will be a lot more popular official," Green added.

Republicans, however, argue that Hoeffel's liberal stance on many issues alienates voters.

"If he were to win, Joe Hoeffel would enter the Senate as one of the most liberal senators and as a junior senator, I don't think that is a recipe for success and would be out of touch with Pennsylvanian values," said Andy Banducci, College Republicans chairman.