Murphy backs Barack

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-8th dist.) last week endorsed Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Murphy, the only Iraq War veteran in Congress, cited Obama’s views on the war as the reason for his support.
"When I returned from Baghdad, I saw that we needed to go in a new direction — both here at home and in Iraq," he said. "I am inspired by Senator Obama’s call to service and believe he is best suited to bring about the changes we need in our country.
"Senator Obama truly wants to unite America, and speaking as a former captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, I know that he has the judgment we need to be our next commander in chief."
Murphy has worked with Obama on the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 to stop troop addition and develop a plan to redeploy American troops.
"I’m honored to have Congressman Murphy’s endorsement," Obama said. "Congressman Murphy is a part of the new generation of American leaders that’s bringing a fresh voice to our nation’s capital. He knows that we need fundamental change in our politics and our foreign policy if we want to make the progress America so desperately needs."
Earlier this year, Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13th dist.) endorsed New York Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Reps. Bob Brady (D-1st dist.) and Chaka Fattah (D-2nd dist.) have not endorsed a candidate.

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Mayoral candidates Michael Nutter and Al Taubenberger will appear at a forum on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m., at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Central Branch, at 1901 Vine St.
Nutter, a Democrat and former city councilman, and Taubenberger, a Republican and president of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, will discuss crime, schools and taxes.
The event will be moderated by attorney William Sasso, chairman of the Free Library Foundation. Audience members will be permitted to ask questions.

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Sean McAleer, the Democratic candidate in the 10th Councilmanic District, is inviting any Northeast resident whose property taxes are increasing this year to contact him for an appeal.
McAleer, who is challenging Councilman Brian O’Neill, will file a bulk appeal to the Board of Revision of Taxes, the agency in charge of assessing real estate values in Philadelphia.
"There’s strength in numbers," he said.
To join the appeal, visit McAleer’s campaign office at 12043 Bustleton Ave. (at Byberry Road) or call 215-677-6100. ••