Congressional District Elections

Fattah heavily favored forFattah heavily favored forlocal district's House seat Pre-election polls already proclaim Democratic incumbent Chaka Fattah the winner in today's 2nd Congressional District race against Republican Larry Murphy. Fattah, a University alumnus, received 84 percent of the vote in his first election in 1994. He won by the widest margin of any freshman congressman. Fattah's daughter, Frances, a College junior, said she believes her father's election is "safe," but encouraged University students to support him and his commitment to education. "We as students must recognize that government impacts each of our lives," Frances Fattah said. "I've seen first hand how those we elect can help us." Fattah has previously served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate. But despite the polls, his opponent hasn't given up hope yet. Murphy describes himself as a moderate Republican who believes society must be tougher on crime. "My opponent sees criminals as society likes to see them," Murphy said. "I see them as how they are -- they are the victimizers not the victims." He explained that Fattah has voted against increasing prison term sentences. "We should have truth in sentencing," he said, adding that prisoners should always complete 85 percent of their terms. Murphy and Fattah also disagree on welfare -- Murphy supported last summer's welfare overhaul, while Fattah voted against it. Balanced budget proposals have also split the contestants. Fattah voted against a bill to balance the federal budget by the year 2002, while Murphy says he supports it.