Both U.S. Senate candidates courted Ron Klink, the former Democratic congressman.

But Republican Sen. Arlen Specter beat out his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Joseph M. Hoeffel, in scoring Klink's endorsement.

"I really do feel strongly that if he were to be defeated, the people of Pennsylvania would be harmed," said Klink, the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee in 2000 against Sen. Rick Santorum.

The Specter campaign embraced the cross-party stamp of approval, which will be announced today at a Democrats for Specter event in Pittsburgh. Not only could the endorsement help him appeal to Democratic voters, it also enforces his image as an independent after a primary in which he ran closely with President Bush.

Klink said Specter won the support because of his seniority and clout as a 24-year incumbent.

But Hoeffel, who represents part of Montgomery County and Philadelphia, contends that Klink, as the head of a lobbying and consulting firm with business in Washington and Harrisburg, may have had his own interests in mind.

"He told me he was doing this because of his business relationships and business considerations," Hoeffel said, recounting a recent phone conversation with Klink. "I told him I was disappointed."

Klink said he meant business in Pennsylvania.

"If it was about my business, I wouldn't be doing anything," said Klink, adding that his firm must lobby Republicans and Democrats. "I understand it may create some turmoil for my business. There may be some kickback from Democrats who are unhappy."

His firm, Klink & Associates, has offices in Western Pennsylvania and Washington. Records show that his clients include Freedom Health Care Group, Strategic Energy L.L.C., Beaver County, and eAppeals Inc., which appeals insurance company decisions on medical coverage.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said of Klink in a news release: "Having a good relationship with the chairman of a powerful Appropriations subcommittee would seem to be a quick way to improve his business prospects."

Specter heads the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education subcommittee.

Klink dismissed the allegations, as did Specter's campaign.

"There is no quid pro quo and there never is with Arlen Specter," said Christopher Nicholas, Specter's campaign manager.

Political analyst Jon Delano said the endorsement could help Specter in Western Pennsylvania, Klink's home base and an area the senator lost to his primary election opponent, Patrick Toomey, Delano said.

"Specter cannot win this election without tens of thousands of Democrats supporting him," said Delano, with Carnegie Mellon University. "He comes off a primary campaign in which he has George Bush's arms wrapped all over him."

Klink - who talked with Hoeffel in January about the race, and Specter within the last month - said the senator was always helpful to him during his four terms in Congress.

Hoeffel said the Klink endorsement would not undercut a prominent theme of his campaign - that Specter is too cozy with the Republican administration.