I’ve just received word that Rep. Patrick Murphy (D- PA 8) is holding a final tele-townhall with constituents in Bucks County. Murphy’s robo-call invites constituents to dial in to a conference call where they have the opportunity to ask questions and hear him pitch his bid for re-election.
While these townhall conference calls are fairly common techniques to juice turnout/interest, that Murphy decided to hold one with so little time left before the polls close suggest either a considerably aggressive — and unorthodox — campaign strategy, or a last-minute attempt to bolster himself in a tight race.
Mike Fitzpatrick, his Republican challenger, spoke with Battle ‘10, saying Murphy was holding his call for a simple reason: “He can’t get his base out.”
“He’s got to motivate Democrats,” said Fitzpatrick, “who I think are disappointed in the leadership in Washington.” With little time to vote remaining, Fitzpatrick said, “he should be staying at the polls greeting voters.”