Murphy Resigns From Congress

Written by Paul Engelkemier, Managing Editor

Congressman Tim Murphy (R-Allegheny) submitted a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan officially resigning from Congress effective October 21st.

“This afternoon I received a letter of resignation from Congressman Tim Murphy, effective October 2. It was Dr. Murphy’s decision to move on to the next chapter of his life, and I support it,” Ryan said in a statement reported on by Politico.

The resignation sets up a special election in the 18th district to finish out the term. Governor Tom Wolf will set the date for the special election.

Murphy announced yesterday he would not be running for re-election next year.

NRCC Chairman Steve Stivers said he was disappointed in the circumstances of the resignation, but said the NRCC will win the special election.

“As I said last night, the circumstances surrounding this situation are extremely disappointing to me. However, the NRCC is undefeated in special elections this year and I’m supremely confident that will continue. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing how national Democrats can spin yet another special election loss into a so-called ‘moral victory,'” Stivers said.

Update: The DCCC also went on the offensive about the special election that will be held.

“While the circumstances surrounding Representative Murphy’s resignation are uniquely disturbing and hypocritical, he will certainly not be the last House Republican to have an involuntary and embarrassing end to their career this election cycle. Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District is a reliable Republican stronghold, but the grassroots energy behind Democrats has proven powerful this year, and we will be closely tracking this district and special election,” DCCC Communications Director Meredith Kelly said in a statement.

October 5th, 2017 | Posted in Congress, Front Page Stories, Top Stories | 27 Comments