Timothy F. Murphy

Tim Murphy
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania's 18th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2003
Preceded by Mike Doyle
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate
from the 37th district
In office
January 7, 1997 – January 3, 2003
Preceded by Mike Fisher
Succeeded by John Pippy
Personal details
Born (1952-09-11) September 11, 1952
Cleveland, Ohio
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Nanette Missig
Residence Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania
Alma mater Wheeling Jesuit University, Cleveland State University, University of Pittsburgh
Occupation Psychologist
Religion Roman Catholic
Military service
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch United States Navy Reserve
Rank Lieutenant commander[1]

Timothy "Tim" F. Murphy (born September 11, 1952) is the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district, serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. He previously served in the Pennsylvania Senate.

The district includes several suburbs south of Pittsburgh. It includes parts of Allegheny, Washington, Beaver and Westmoreland counties. He won re-election in 2014 unopposed.[2]

Early life, education, and psychologist career

Murphy was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Walsh Jesuit High School, and received his Bachelor of Science from Wheeling Jesuit University, his MA from Cleveland State University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Upon leaving school, he became a practicing psychologist and an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh. He also made regular appearances on KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh from 1979 to 1995 as a health care expert.[3]

Murphy is co-author of The Angry Child: Regaining Control When Your Child Is Out of Control (2002). The Angry Child won the National Parenting Publications Award and was featured on Book TV, a program of C-SPAN. "Overcoming Passive-Aggression" received abundant reviews, including those from the mental health field. Murphy has been interviewed by reporters from Psychology Today,[4] the Washington Post, USA Today, the CBS Early Show, CNN, CBS Face the Nation, C-SPAN, and others in the media on the topics of mental health, anger management and violence, parenting and relationships. A few years later, he co-authored Overcoming Passive-Aggression: How to Stop Hidden Anger from Spoiling Your Relationships, Career, and Happiness (2005), both co-authored with Loriann Hoff Oberlin, a writer/author and mental health counselor.

Pennsylvania Senate (1996–2003)

Elections

In 1996, Republican State Senator Mike Fisher decided not to run for re-election in order to run for Pennsylvania Attorney General. Murphy decided to run in Pennsylvania's 37th senate district. He won the Republican primary, defeating John Schnatterly 70%–30%.[5] In the general election, he defeated State Representative Greg Fajt 55%–45%.[6] In 2000, he won re-election to a second term, defeating Joseph Rudolph 64%–36%.[7]

Tenure

He wrote the Pennsylvania Patient Bill of Rights and supported public funding for medical research. In 2002, the political website PoliticsPA named him to the list of "Smartest Legislators."[8] He resigned his senate seat on January 3, 2003.

Committee assignments

U.S. House of Representatives (2003–present)

Elections

2002

After redistricting, Murphy ran for the newly redrawn 18th Congressional District in 2002. The district had previously been the 20th, represented by four-term Democrat Frank Mascara. However, the legislature re-drew the district after the 2000 Census in such a way that a large portion of Mascara's district ended up in the neighboring Johnstown-based 12th District, represented by 28-year incumbent John Murtha. The new district lines were harshly criticized, in part because in some areas portions of several neighborhoods—and even streets—were split between districts. In some areas, one side of the street was in the 18th while the other was in the 12th. In the most extreme example, nearly all of Mascara's hometown of Charleroi was drawn into the 12th district, but Mascara's house stayed in the 18th. After a legal battle, the courts largely upheld Pennsylvania's redistricting plan after some minor modifications. Murphy was a member of the committee that redrew Pennsylvania's congressional map, and rumors abounded that he'd reconfigured the district for himself, even though numerous Democrats were also on the committee. Mascara challenged Murtha in the Democratic primary for the 12th District, since the newly configured 12th was geographically more his district than Murtha's. However, Murtha easily defeated Mascara. This removed a significant barrier to Murphy. Even though Democrats outnumbered Republicans by 70,000 registered voters, it was somewhat friendlier to Republicans than the old 20th had been.

Murphy won the Republican primary unopposed and won the general election, defeating Democrat Jack Machek 60%–40%.[9]

2004

Murphy won re-election to a second term, defeating Mark Boles 63%–37%.[10]

2006

In 2006, Murphy was confronted by KDKA News reporter Andy Sheehan with evidence indicating his District Office employees were illegally working on his campaign.[11] Murphy was challenged by Democrat Chad Kluko, a telecommunications executive, in the November 2006 general election. Murphy won re-election to a third term, defeating Kluko 58%–42%.[12]

2008

Murphy was challenged Democrat Steve O'Donnell, a Monroeville health care executive. Murphy won re-election to a fourth term, defeating O'Donnell 64%–36%.[13][14]

2010

Murphy was challenged by Democrat Dan Connolly. Murphy was endorsed by Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC[15] and the US Chamber of Commerce.[16] Murphy won re-election to a sixth term, defeating Connolly 67%–33%.[17]

2012

For the first time in Murphy's career, he was challenged in the Republican primary. Evan Feinberg, also of Upper St Clair, was a 28-year-old political novice and "Tea Party" favorite,[18] was endorsed by Senators Rand Paul and Tom Coburn, FreedomWorks, and ABC Contractors. Murphy had the backing of two pro-life groups: National Right to Life Committee and PA Pro-Life Federation. He was also endorsed by former Governor Tom Ridge, former Congresswoman Melissa Hart, Allegheny County Republican Party Chairman Jim Roddey, State Representative Mark Mustio, State Senate candidate D. Raja, the National Rifle Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police of Allegheny County.[19][20][21] Murphy won the primary 63%–33%.[22][23] In the general election, he won re-election to his seventh term, defeating Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi 64%–36%.[24][25]

2014

Murphy successfully ran for re-election to a seventh term in the U.S. House in the 2014 election. He was re-nominated unopposed in the Republican primary and was unopposed in the general election, since no candidates filed to run in the Democratic primary.[2][26]

Tenure

Murphy lives in Upper St. Clair, a suburb of Pittsburgh. However, he is listed on the official House roll as "R-Pittsburgh", although his district does not include any portion of Pittsburgh itself.

On November 26, 2005, Murphy was injured during a traffic accident in Iraq while riding in a van along with fellow Congressmen Jim Marshall and Ike Skelton. The van swerved off the road to avoid an oncoming vehicle and overturned, injuring Murphy and Skelton. The two were airlifted to Ibn Sina Hospital in Baghdad. After an MRI indicated head and neck injuries, Murphy was flown to the U.S. Military's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for further tests, which indicated no permanent damage. After wearing a neck brace for a brief period, Murphy made a full recovery.[27][28]

He opposed both Wall Street bailouts in 2008, the $820 billion stimulus package supported by President Obama, and the climate change/greenhouse gas initiative bill known as "Cap and Trade."[29]

Murphy was named a "Hero of the Taxpayer" by Americans for Tax Reform.[30] Notably, he voted to increase the debt limit along with historic budget cuts in August 2011.[31] Prior to that, he approved the "short term" debt limit increase.[32]

Murphy supported a House earmark ban in theory, yet requested millions nearly $14 million in earmarks in 2010 with over 60% going directly to campaign contributors.[33] Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington released its third annual report on the most corrupt members of Congress titled "Beyond DeLay: The 22 Most Corrupt Members of Congress (and two to watch)".[34] Murphy was included on the list. CREW issued their analysis of Murphy's alleged ethical lapses,[35] together with various exhibits which CREW asserted supports their naming him to their list of the most corrupt members of Congress.[36]

Murphy was the Republican sponsor of the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, along with Democratic Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives on September 29, 2010, received bi-partisan support. The final vote was 348–79. The measure would authorize the United States Department of Commerce to impose tariffs and countervailing duties against goods from countries with currencies that it deems are undervalued.[37] Murphy told WDUQ that the goal is to, “protect domestic manufacturers and the steel industry from countries unwilling to compete fairly in the global marketplace.” He added that by tying China's currency to the dollar and not floating its currency on the open market, China can undercut US manufactures by 40%. In other words, manufacturers in China can make and ship products to the US for less than a manufacturer here can buy the raw materials.[38] The Senate failed to take up the legislation, and Murphy reintroduced the bi-partisan measure in February 2011.[38]

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Murphy was at the forefront of exposing the approximately $500 million taxpayer funded green energy loan scandals involving Solyndra in 2011. In appearances on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360° and Fox News Channel, he highlighted the wasteful spending and political associations involved in the now bankrupt solar panel company.[39][40]

Following the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Murphy and Mental Health Caucus Co-Chair Grace Napolitano (D-CA) spoke with national media about mental health issues.[41] Both members also held briefings for congressional staffers with questions on the Tucson shooting.[42]

Committee assignments

Murphy previously served on the Veterans Affairs and Government Reform committees.[43][44]

Caucus memberships

Electoral history

Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district: Results 2002–2012[47][48]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct
2002 Jack Machek 79,451 40% Tim Murphy 119,885 60% *
2004 Mark G. Boles 117,420 37% Tim Murphy 197,894 63%
2006 Chad Kluko 105,419 42% Tim Murphy 144,632 58% *
2008 Steve O'Donnell 116,446 36% Tim Murphy 206,916 64%
2010 Dan Connolly 77,212 33% Tim Murphy 158,224 67%
2012 Larry Maggi 115,975 36% [49] Tim Murphy 204,784 64%

*Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 2002, write-ins received 13 votes. In 2006, write-ins received 189 votes.

References

  1. ↑ "Tim Murphy (R)". Election 2012. Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
    "Eighteenth District" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  2. 1 2 "2014 Pennsylvania House Election Results". Politico. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  3. ↑ "The Angry Child by Congressman Tim Murphy". Random House. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  4. ↑ Psychology Today, March 01, 2006
  5. ↑ "Our Campaigns – Pa State Senate 37 – R Primary Race – Apr 23, 1996".
  6. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA State Senate 37 Race – Nov 05, 1996".
  7. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA State Senate 37 Race – Nov 07, 2000".
  8. ↑ "Smartest Legislators". PoliticsPA. The Publius Group. 2002. Archived from the original on 2002-01-15.
  9. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA District 18 Race – Nov 05, 2002".
  10. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA – District 18 Race – Nov 02, 2004".
  11. ↑ "Congressman Tim Murphy R-PA on KDKA News taking the evidence". YouTube. November 2, 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA – District 18 Race – Nov 07, 2006".
  13. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA – District 18 Race – Nov 04, 2008".
  14. ↑ "Whispers". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. November 9, 2008.
  15. ↑ Murphy for Congress (October 3, 2010). "Tim Murphy for Congress: Murphy Earns VFW PAC Endorsement". Electtimmurphy.com. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  16. ↑ Murphy, Tim (June 17, 2010). "Tim Murphy for Congress: NY On the Brink – A Sign of Things to Come". Electtimmurphy.com. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA – District 18 Race – Nov 02, 2010".
  18. ↑ "Feinberg attacks Murphy's record".
  19. ↑ Jerry, Tara. "Murphy Campaign Unveils Endorsements".
  20. ↑ Gibson, Keegan. "Murphy Internal Poll Shows 74-12 Lead Over Feinberg".
  21. ↑ Gibson, Keegan. "NRA Backs Murphy".
  22. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA District 18- R Primary Race – Apr 24, 2012".
  23. ↑ "2012 Primary Election Results".
  24. ↑ "Our Campaigns – PA – District 18 Race – Nov 06, 2012".
  25. ↑ "Doyle, Murphy, Kelly win re-election bids".
  26. ↑ Cholodofsky, Rich (March 11, 2014). "2 Democrats challenge for congressman's seat in 12th District". Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Congressmen involved in Baghdad road accident", Reuters, November 28, 2005
  28. ↑ "Rep. Murphy hurt in Iraq convoy crash", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  29. ↑ Lerer, Lisa; O'Connor, Patrick (June 25, 2009). "House passes climate-change bill". Politico. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Congressman Tim Murphy: Murphy Named "Hero of the Taxpayer"". Murphy.house.gov. June 8, 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  31. ↑ "House Vote 690 – Approves Compromise to Increase the Debt Ceiling". The New York Times. August 1, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  32. ↑ "House Vote 677 – Approves Boehner's Short-Term Debt Ceiling Increase". The New York Times. July 29, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  33. ↑ "111th Congress Earmarks".
  34. ↑ Archived October 2, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
  35. ↑ "Home | CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress" (PDF). Beyonddelay.org. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  36. ↑ "Home | CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress" (PDF). Beyonddelay.org. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
  37. ↑ Malloy, Daniel (September 30, 2010). "U.S. House moves against China's undervalued currency". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  38. 1 2 Nootbaar, Mark (September 17, 2010). "Murphy Rallies for HR 2378". WDUQ News. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  39. ↑ "Tim Murphy on Fox News discussing Bombshell Solyndra Email". YouTube. November 16, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  40. ↑ "Rep. Tim Murphy talks about the Solyndra Loan with Anderson Cooper". YouTube. September 15, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  41. ↑ "Lawmakers: Close look needed at mental health issues". CNN.
  42. ↑ Pecquet, Julian (January 25, 2011). "Staff briefing on mental health scheduled in wake of Giffords shooting". The Hill's Healthwatch. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  43. ↑ "House Energy and Commerce Committee – Full Committee Membership". Republicans.energycommerce.house.gov. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  44. ↑ "House Energy and Commerce Committee – Subcommittees". Republicans.energycommerce.house.gov. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  45. ↑ "GOP Doctors Caucus: Who We Are". Doctorscaucus.gingrey.house.gov. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  46. ↑ "Congressman Tim Murphy : Biography". Murphy.house.gov. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  47. ↑ "Election Statistics". Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
  48. ↑ "2010 General Election Results". Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  49. ↑ http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/ElectionsInformation.aspx?FunctionID=13&ElectionID=53&OfficeID=11

External links

Media related to Timothy F. Murphy at Wikimedia Commons

Articles and videos
United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
Mike Doyle		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district
2003– present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
United States order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Candice Miller
R-Michigan		 United States Representatives by seniority
129th 		Succeeded by
Devin Nunes
R-California
Pennsylvania State Senate
Preceded by
Mike Fisher		 Member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 37th District
1997–2003 		Succeeded by
John Pippy
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