Patrick Murphy to Run for Pennsylvania Attorney General
Former Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.), the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal leader who lost his re-election bid to Rep. Mike Fitpatrick (R-Pa.) in 2010, will not be seeking back his seat in Congress. He will, however, be asking voters across Pennsylvania to elect him attorney general in 2012.
Current Attorney General William H. Ryan Jr., served as the First Deputy Attorney General to now-Gov. Tom Corbett (R-Pa.), and ascended to the office by statute. According to a news release in January, “Under the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, Ryan – who has served as First Deputy Attorney General – assumes all of the powers and duties of the Attorney General upon a vacancy in the office.”
According to a news release today announcing his run for the attorney general’s office, Murphy said, “I’ve spent my entire life protecting American families. I’m running for Attorney General because I want to continue that important work and make sure that the people of Pennsylvania have an advocate who will fight crime wherever it is – on the streets, in corporate boardrooms, or in Harrisburg.”
He continued: “Working families across the state are struggling. They deserve an Attorney General who will stand up for them. That means rooting out corruption and fighting against powerful special interests to protect hard-working taxpayers. As an Iraq war veteran, I prosecuted terrorists bent on killing Americans. I won’t back down from the challenges that face our Commonwealth.”
Murphy was the lead sponsor of the legislation in the House aimed at repealing the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The legislation was signed into law on Dec. 22, 2010.
Speaking with Metro Weekly on Dec. 21, 2010, as his time in Congress came to a close, Murphy talked about about what he viewed as the importance of his work on DADT repeal.
”I took my oath seriously when I was in the military and when I’m a member of Congress, and I didn’t come here to just get re-elected. I came here to fight for my country and to make it even better,” Murphy said. ”I know that when my two little kids are in college in 20 years, they’re going to be proud of what their daddy stood for when he had the chance to serve his country in the Congress of the United States.”
[Photo: Murphy (Photo by Chris Geidner/Metro Weekly.)]
The Murphy release is available below the jump.
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Patrick Murphy Announces Candidacy for Pennsylvania Attorney General
Iraq War Veteran, Former JAG Officer, Former Congressman Enters Race With Strong Support
(Philadelphia, PA) – Iraq war veteran and former Congressman Patrick Murphy released the following statement today:
“I’ve spent my entire life protecting American families. I’m running for Attorney General because I want to continue that important work and make sure that the people of Pennsylvania have an advocate who will fight crime wherever it is – on the streets, in corporate boardrooms, or in Harrisburg,” said Patrick Murphy.
“Working families across the state are struggling. They deserve an Attorney General who will stand up for them. That means rooting out corruption and fighting against powerful special interests to protect hard-working taxpayers,” Murphy said. “As an Iraq war veteran, I prosecuted terrorists bent on killing Americans. I won’t back down from the challenges that face our Commonwealth.”
Patrick is supported by a broad range of Pennsylvanians from all walks of life and all over the state. They believe that he has the skills and experience to protect the Commonwealth and fight for working families.
“Patrick Murphy has demonstrated courage as an Army officer in war-torn Iraq and rare courage as an elected official. He has fought for his country, and he fights every day for what’s right,” said U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah. “He has demonstrated the leadership, energy and integrity to fight corruption, protect our families and keep our streets safe. Patrick Murphy is uniquely qualified to serve with distinction as Pennsylvania’s next attorney general.”
“Patrick Murphy is a working-class guy who didn’t forget where he came from. As a veteran and the son of police officer, he really understands what it takes to fight crime and protect Pennsylvania families,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Holden. “His integrity and dedication to public service is just what we need in our next Attorney General and I’m proud to support him.”
“You couldn’t have a more qualified candidate. And, based on his performance as a United States Congressman, you couldn’t elect a more dedicated public servant. Patrick Murphy will make an excellent Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Joseph Dougherty, Ironworkers Local 401.
“As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, I know that Patrick Murphy has the experience and leadership to be the chief law enforcement officer for the Commonwealth,” said Chris Asplen, former Assistant U.S. Attorney. “Patrick has proven as a JAG officer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney that he is smart, tough and dedicated to fighting crime. That is what it takes to protect Pennsylvania families and that is why Patrick will make a great Attorney General.”
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