Democracy for America announced endorsements for four women in four major Congressional races. Lois Murphy, an attorney from suburban Philadelphia was honored with this distinction. Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional District flows from just outside the city limits and into Reading, Coatesville, and Kutztown. Major parts of Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties comprise this swing district.
PA-06 was the closest contested Congressional race in the country in 2004. Since then the incumbent Jim Gerlach has relied upon Karl Rove and Tom DeLay to fatten his campaign coffers. He has shown an amazingly flexible spinal column in his voting patterns. Whenever he has been called upon to cast a decisive vote he goes in the direction Republican leadership dictates.
More below the fold....
Perhaps this spineless advocacy for the people of the Sixth District explains why Lois Murphy raised more campaign contributions in the fourth quarter of 2005 than the incumbent. According to FEC reports and reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/...
In the Sixth House District, the rematch between Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach and Democratic lawyer Lois Murphy could easily exceed the $4.1 million spent in their 2004 campaign, which Gerlach narrowly won.
Gerlach has $1.1 million cash on hand and raised $266,000 in the last quarter of 2005; Murphy out-raised him with $380,000 in the same period but still trails him with $625,000 cash on hand.
Here's what DFA has to say about these crucial Congressional races:
Yesterday was Justice Samuel Alito's first day on the Supreme Court bench. The high court now has a majority hostile to women's reproductive rights -- and their first order of business is hearing a case that could substantially alter the right to choose. We don't know what the Court will decide. But we do know that the best way to protect our rights is to elect a Democratic majority to Congress this November.
And that's why I am excited to announce the next DFA-List -- Francine Busby, Christine Cegelis, Mary Jo Kilroy and Lois Murphy for Congress. These four women are running in winnable districts. If we are going to elect a Democratic majority in 2006, we need to fight for victories in these races. Read more and make a contribution to their campaigns today.
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More from DFA about Lois:
Lois Murphy for Pennsylvania's 6th District. In 2004, Dean Dozen candidate Lois Murphy came within just 2 points of defeating Republican incumbent Jim Gerlach in the closest challenge in the country. Now, she's back for a rematch in Pennsylvania's sixth district. Gerlach has been called one of the most vulnerable members of Congress and is working overtime to try to conceal his strong ties to Tom DeLay. As a mother, lawyer, and activist, Lois understands the importance of dedication and hard work. She is committed to fighting for our priorities and values. With your help we can give Murphy the resources she needs to win in this crucial district.
I know Lois Murphy well. I've had the privelege of getting to know her the past few years and I know she will be a great Congresswoman. She has the strength of character and progressive principles we must have in Washington to represent the Sixth District, the people of Pennsylvania, and all Americans.
I urge the netroots to respond to Democracy for America's endorsement and assist Lois in closing the gap on Gerlach for cash on hand. Her campaign staff is comprised of veteran, motivated, tireless advocates for Lois and the country. They are contributing everything they have toward winning this year AND THEY WILL.
Your support and your contributions will insure that they'll have the means to answer Gerlach's next smear tactic. In 2004 the Republican Party ran one of the worst negative ads in the country against Lois. They equated her support from MoveOn.org with an endorsement by the Taliban and did everything but wrap a turban around her head and call her Osama.
Folks, It's payback time. Let the GOP know what you think of their demonic tactics. If you live in the area volunteer for her campaign. If you don't live in the area do what many earnest and selfless young people did in 2004 and relocate here for the election cycle. If all you can do is assist financially that is important also.
Please help us win back the House of Representatives in 2006. You can visit Lois'website for more information:
http://www.loismurphy.org/