My own congressman is Michael Fitzpatrick. I’ve known Mike for a long time, though not closely. He was a county commissioner prior to getting the GOP nod for congress when Jim Greenwood stepped down unexpectedly, leaving a democratic challenger, Ginny Schrieder, in the surprise position of opposing not a long-standing congressman but a new candidate. Ginny, while an admirable person, was not (in my opinion) up to the challenge of a “real” congressional race.

Mike as a county commissioner has done a lot for the local Boy Scouts, and served on the BSA Council Executive Board. He even came and spoke at my oldest son’s Eagle Court of Honor. I have a lot of respect for Mike; he’s done good things. It’s unfortunate that he has gotten caught up in the Republican culture in Washington. He has recently gotten some national attention for his support of the Delay/Abramoff corruption machine.

Honestly, I think Mike is a good man who is just over his head with the machinations of the government-for-hire Republican national scene. I sincerely wish he had stuck to doing his best for the county on a local level.

While I wish Mike no ill, I am pleased that Bucks County, and PA’s 8th Congessional District, have a true reform candidate running. Patrick Murphy is an army veteran and a paratrooper, having served in both Bosnia and Iraq, where he earned a Bronze Star. He also is the youngest person ever to serve as an instructor at West Point. Mike recently traveled to Iraq to get some photo opportunities, Patrick did the real deal. Having met Patrick Murphy in person, I was amazed at his depth of knowledge in constitutional law, and his understanding of the issues facing America and ordinary Americans. He is a prime face in the group of (so far) 48 “Fighting Dems” running in congressional races.

I truly wish Mike Fitzpatrick well. As a scout leader, I appreciate his tireless efforts to support that organization. As an American though, I actively support Patrick Murphy’s attempt to gain Mike’s congressional seat. We need Patrick in congress, and Mike back at the local level, doing what he does best, unassociated with the Republican scoundrels currently in Washington pulling his strings.