Murphy Seeks Spot On Energy & Commerce

Statement

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy is making a play for a seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, among the most powerful panels in the House with jurisdiction over everything from energy supply to food and drug safety.

The Bucks County freshman would probably have to give up his spot on Armed Services or Intelligence, but it would be a big step up for the Democrat, who has ingratiated himself with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other House leaders during his first term in Congress.

"I think we have a unique opportunity to make our region the green energy capital of the country," Murphy said today as he emerged from the Democratic leadership elections. He said he sent the House Steering and Policy Committee a letter expressing his interest in the assignment last week.

With four Democrats departing the committee, there are spots to be won. But none are from Pennsylvania, meaning Murphy would have to pick off another region's spot or grab one of the new openings. Because of the Democrats' larger majority, they are likely to grab a seat or two from Republicans on the panel.

Murphy's pluses? He made all the right moves early on -- at least from leadership's perspective -- and outraised nearly all other freshman, doling out thousands to other lawmakers and Democratic challengers.

Murphy would join fellow Pennsylvanians Mike Doyle (D), Tim Murphy (R) and Joe Pitts (R) on the panel.

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