U. alum Fattah coasts to victory

and Adam Litwin University students can easily identify with their newly-elected congressional representative. Not only is U.S. Representative-elect Chaka Fattah a University alumnus, but he believes education is a top priority and can even do the Electric Slide. Surrounded by supporters, Fattah celebrated his victory last night by dancing, eating, meeting constituents and promising a "willingness to work" as he moves from the state capital of Harrisburg to Washington, D.C. He soundly defeated Republican Lawrence Watson in the predominantly Democratic district. When Fattah beat U.S. Representative Lucien Blackwell in the Democratic primary in May, he was considered a shoo-in for the congressional office. As the newly-elected representative of Pennsylvania's second district, Fattah will serve all University students living on and near campus, as well as residents of West Philadelphia and Center City. Fattah just completed two terms as state senator from the seventh district. Fattah's win is also good news for University administrators, as he has very strong connections to the University beyond the fact that it falls within his district. He graduated from the University's Fels Center of Government in 1986, and his wife Patricia is a 1980 Law School graduate. Their daughter, Frances, is currently a College sophomore. Last night, Fattah's supporters gathered at the District 1199 Hospital and Health Care Employee Union Hall in Center City and waited for over an hour to congratulate the candidate they worked to elect. "I've been up since five in the morning," said Gail Williford of Mount Airy. "We went from house to house to house throughout West Philly." Williford added that she thought Fattah will "help us get good jobs and health care." Many of Fattah's other supporters voiced similar sentiments, saying Fattah would bring their perspective to the U.S. House of Representatives. "He's about the people," said union member Alphonso Byrd. "He's been with us." As supporters entered the hall to congratulate each other, sitting quietly on the sidelines was one of the most important people in Fattah's life -- his mother, Sister Falaka Fattah. "I didn't expect him to be a congressman, but I expected him to make a contribution," Sister Falaka said, noting that her son learned about life's difficulties very early. "That helps him to be a problem-solver," she added. Sister Falaka also discussed her family's connection to the University. "Because he's an alum and his daughter is there, there is a special connection and pride that comes from this accomplishment and what it will do for Penn," she said. When Fattah finally arrived at around 9 p.m., the crowd, which had swelled to approximately 200, cheered and greeted their new representative. Flanked by his family, Fattah gave a victory speech that not only included the standard thanks, but asked the community to come together to help him accomplish his goals. "Tonight is not just a night to focus on the victory here," he added. "Our city and this congressional district has to become and be prepared to be in the vanguard of the breadth of politics in our nation." After he spoke to the crowd, Fattah took a moment to reflect on his University constituents. "Throughout my legislative career, I have been very, very involved in educational issues," he said, adding that he hopes now to bring higher education issues to the forefront of the "national debate."