New Yorker determined to become the first Irish-born woman in Congress

Kerry native makes run for Congress

By

MOLLY MULDOON,

Irish Voice Reporter

Larger Text

Print

E-mail

5 Comments

Lawyer and possible future politician Brianne Murphy

Photo by Brianne Murphy

Tweet

“My mother, like many single mothers, was an incredibly hard worker.  While balancing a full-time job and raising four children as a single mother, Lynn embodied community service bringing me and my siblings with her to community meetings, participating in marches and canvassing for local candidates.”

As a high school student Murphy interned with her future adversary, Republican Congressman Jim Walsh, a man who has previously described the emerging Democrat as a remarkable person and a hard worker.

Years later, while enjoying dinner with his wife in Washington, D.C., Walsh was surprised to recognize his friendly server as Murphy, waiting tables at a popular steakhouse to fund her undergrad degree in George Washington University.

After graduation she put herself through law school at Brooklyn College, during which time her mother suddenly passed away in 2002. She puts her interest in law down to the experience of her own life challenges.

“From a very young age I was fascinated by the legal profession because it represented an opportunity to fight for the underdog,” she says. “As a labor and employment attorney that is what I have been able to do. I have fought for hard working people experiencing discrimination, sexual harassment, and workers fighting for better conditions and fair representation.”

She also worked on the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in 2008 and describes the Tea Party as being out-of-touch.

“The incumbent has been solely focused on advancing her social agenda rather than the economic interests of CNY,” says Murphy, who insists she is committed to creating jobs.

Some of her key priorities include providing support for struggling families, expanding payroll tax cuts under the American Jobs Act, as well as investment in transportation and infrastructure in central New York.

“Repairing bridges, investing in high speed rail and updating our transportation and infrastructure will improve safety,” Murphy said.

_________

Read More:

Run Chelsea Clinton run for Congress! Bill and Hill's daughter said to be thinking about a political career

Rep Gabrielle Giffords to have first public interview with Diane Sawyer

Why Irish America owes much to departing president Mary McAleese

______________

“This will allow us to once again competitively move goods and services into the flow of commerce, while immediately creating jobs.” 

The Democratic candidate also wants to focus on education, quoting access and quality as the benchmark to allow the next generation to be competitive in a global economy.

Print

E-mail

Tweet