Someone with a Backbone

What do you get when you mix together:

- A Congressman
- An Iraq war vet
- A supporter of overturning Don't Ask, Don't Tell
- A cute Irishman

Why, you get Congressman Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional district (Bucks County). You also get a member of Congress with a backbone.

Second-term congressman Patrick Murphy, a member of the Armed Services Committee, plans to sponsor a bill that would overturn the Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy. Murphy was elected in 2006 after defeating Republican incumbent Michael Fitzpatrick; a major feat in itself with the 8th Congressional district being historically Republican. Oh, and he was the first Iraq vet ever elected to the Congress.

Why is this exciting?

First, President Obama has, on many occasions, stated that he would sign any bill into law that overturns DADT.

Second, support in Congress has been positive. Murphy and his supporters are securing new signatures daily.

Third, someone in Congress finally has the balls to get the ball rolling on this. As we've discussed on several occasions, DADT has been under enormous scrutiny and has been a major point of discussion.

Fourth, the bill is being sponsored by someone who was a soldier. Murphy knew soldiers dismissed under DADT; Murphy can speak first-hand on the implications of discharging skilled soldiers, and on how those in the trenches really feel about DADT. Murphy can speak first-hand on why this policy is stupid, and discriminatory.

Listen to Murphy yourself:

We'll be toasting to you this weekend Congressman Murphy!