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Specter apologizes for Polish jokes at NYC event

HARRISBURG - Sen. Arlen Specter says he's sorry for telling Polish jokes during a luncheon last week in New York City.

HARRISBURG - Sen. Arlen Specter says he's sorry for telling Polish jokes during a luncheon last week in New York City.

The veteran Republican lawmaker told The Associated Press today that he's been contacting leaders of the Polish-American community and is kicking himself for having made the jokes.

He says the matter taught him "a good lesson" and that people in his position should be more careful about how they refer to ethnic groups.

He's planning to meet with Polish-American leaders in Washington.

The jokes were first reported in the New York Post. Specter says he won't repeat them.

The luncheon last Friday was connected to the annual Pennsylvania Society gathering. The century-old networking event attracts hundreds of people, including many of Pennsylvania's top politicians.