GOP's Mike Fitzpatrick Reclaims Pa.'s 8th District
BRISTOL, Pa. (CBS) -- The Republican tidal wave swept through Bucks County, where Mike Fitzpatrick reclaimed the seat in Congress he lost to Democrat Patrick Murphy four years ago.
Fitzpatrick, 47, championed open space preservation and supports development of the gas-rich Marcellus Shale region, while Murphy, 36, pushed for troop withdrawals from Iraq and the end of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
In the weeks leading up to the election the race was too close to call, but when all was said and done Fitzpatrick beat Murphy by a sizeable margin, sending him back to Washington.
(Fitzpatrick:) "Four years ago the people spoke, and tonight they've spoken and this decision is the right decision -- not necessarily because I won, because this decision was made by the people."
Hear Fitzpatrick's Victory Speech...
Murphy, the first Iraq War veteran in Congress, accepted defeat and told the crowd he was proud of his four years in the House and the work he accomplished for middle class families:
(Murphy:) "I will never back down from my pledge to you to fight for the greatness that I believe this country can achieve. I hope that no matter what happens, I will always continue to make you proud."
And already, the speculation has begun: will there be a rematch two years from now?
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060.
