Pennsylvania – 8th District Candidate Funds On Hand Recent Poll
Democrat
Republican
Patrick Murphy $445,000 38%
Mike Fitzpatrick $1,133,000 44%
The Philadelphia suburbs are the epicenter of political change in the country. In 2004, the “netroots” made one of their first major efforts, helping to fight a credible campaign for the newly-open 8th District. This year Patrick Murphy has an excellent shot of unseating GOP freshman Mike Fitzpatrick. The Cook Political Report ranks this race “Leans Republican.” The District The 8th stretches sits northeast of Philadelphia, taking in all of Bucks County and small portions of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. 8th District voters supported Gore and Kerry even as they sent Republicans to Congress. The district ranges from urban neighborhoods to farms. About Patrick Murphy Patrick Murphy spent much of 2003 and 2004 in Baghdad as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army. Capt. Murphy earned a Bronze Star. He has also served in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office. He is fighting for affordable health care, environmental protection, and an exit strategy in Iraq. www.murphy06.com About Mike Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick was first elected in 2004 to replace retiring GOP Rep. Jim Greenwood. In this swing district, Fitzpatrick has attempted to cast himself as an independent and moderate voice, but the record shows he voted with Bush and his party leaders most of the time, and he has received fundraising assistance from Bush and other GOP leaders. www.fitzpatrickforcongress.com Fundraising and Polling Fitzpatrick’s fundraising has been strong – $2 .1 million, more than half from PACs and party committees. He has $1.1 million on hand. Murphy has raised $961,000, 87% from individuals, and after a tough primary has $445,000 remaining. Murphy’s campaign released a July poll showing the challenger within striking distance; Fitzpatrick held a 44-38 lead. This is a substantial tightening from April, when Fitzpatrick enjoyed a 49-35 lead in an independent poll. Sources: www.washingtonpost.com, www.centerforpolitics.org, electionreturns.state.pa.us, www.fec.gov PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION http://political.moveon.org Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.