Mike Fitzpatrick
House Candidate
Pennsylvania 8th District

Mike Fitzpatrick represented the 8^th District in Congress from 2005-2007.  He developed a reputation as an independent voice that was unafraid to go head-to-head with the Republican leadership.  In the end, Fitzpatrick often got what he wanted.  Prior to being elected to Congress, Fitzpatrick served as Bucks County Commissioner for nine years.  Before that, he was in private practice at a Philadelphia Law Firm.

Fitzpatrick received his bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University and his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law at Penn State University

Why he wins our Endorsement
Fitzpatrick has shown he has an independent streak and a record of fighting hard for his constituents.  His loss in 2006 was by less than two thousand votes.  Since his defeat, his popularity has not diminished and neither has his desire to serve his constituents.  He has proven grassroots support, collecting over $800,000 in donations from the people of Pennsylvania.  Fitzpatrick supports the Five Principles and has shown he can get results.

Election Battle
The 8th District covers many of the northern suburbs of Philadelphia along the Delaware River.  It is a swing district that has a history of supporting moderate Congressional candidates.  In national elections, the district supported Obama, Kerry, and Gore but by small margins.  Obama won with 54% of the vote.  Fitzpatrick narrowly lost to Murphy in 2006, a year that many Republicans were beaten severely.  Since taking office Murphy’s moderate image has been irreparably damaged.  Murphy has been a loyal vote for Pelosi, supporting the Stimulus, Healthcare Reform, and Cap and Trade.  None of these pieces of legislation are popular in the moderate district.  Fitzpatrick has strong grassroots support, a solid fundraising record and the momentum to defeat Murphy.