Murphy hoards Rangel's $19,000; Murphy has yet to return other tainted funds

LEVITTOWN, PA - Mike Fitzpatrick, Republican candidate for Congress, offered the following remarks regarding Congressman Rangel's pending investigation by the full House Committee on Standards and Official Conduct.

"As I did back in April, I again call upon Congressman Murphy to return the $19,000 of potentially-tainted campaign donations he received from Congressman Rangel," said Fitzpatrick.[1]

"This is the first time in nearly eight years that the House has decided to make a ruling on such egregious ethical violations," said Fitzpatrick,.

"The last time this committee was convened; former Congressman James Traficant was expelled for taking bribes."[2]

"Congressman Murphy voted twice to allow Congressman Rangel to keep his powerful position that determines our tax rates and Federal spending," closed Fitzpatrick, "I think we all deserve an explanation on why Congressman Murphy defended Rangel for so long."[3]

"Murphy has yet to account for other tainted contributions including those from Coherent Systems and Kuchera Industries employees and their spouses totaling $21,400," said Fitzpatrick.

The President of Coherent Systems was convicted of bribery for a $2.4M Federal appropriation he received via Congressman Murphy while Kuchera is under investigation as part of the scheme.

According to Fitzpatrick, "The people of the 8th District deserve a full accounting of all of Murphy's tainted money; where did it come from and where did it go."

"Murphy ran for office pledging to drain the swamp of Washington," closed Fitzpatrick, "All he's done is jump in with both feet."

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[1] FEC

[2] NYT, "Evidence of Ethics Violation in Rangel Case", 7/22/10

[3]http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll057.xml, http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll759.xml

Mike Fitzpatrick is a lifelong Bucks County native. Mike and his wife Kathy have 6 children and live in Middletown Township.