Voters Say No to Burton, Yes to Murphy

 (Indianapolis,IN) --   State Representative Mike Murphy (R, 90) today filed his candidacy papers for Indiana's 5^th Congressional seat, currently held by Dan Burton.

 

"Dan Burton has served, but he has not led," said Murphy.  "In nearly 30 years in Congress, Burton has done virtually nothing to make the 5^th district or the State of Indiana a better place to live and raise a family."

Burton was first elected to public office in 1967, elected to Congress in 1982, and has been an elected official virtually his entire adult life.

"I am running for Congress because Indiana needs a representative with a record of accomplishment who will wake up each morning asking 'how can I help business create more jobs in the 5^th district', " said Murphy. 

Murphy partnered with State Senator Brandt Hershman in 2006 to unleash the entrepreneurial energy of the telecom industry in Indiana.  In just three years, the Murphy-Hershman bill has resulted in 2,500 new jobs, 4,000 to 6,000 jobs saved, and more than $1.5-billion in private investment.

"We must put Hoosiers back to work," said Murphy.  "I have led, and I will lead where Burton has failed."

Voters apparently agree with Murphy.  A poll conducted January 25-27 (margin of error +or- 5.6%) by Bellwether Research, Inc. of Alexandria, VA (pollster for Governor Mitch Daniels) indicates only 28% of likely voters in the 5^th district Republican primary think Burton should be re-elected. That is a 7-point drop from a similar poll conducted by the same firm in February, 2009.

Meanwhile likely Republican primary voters say Murphy is equal to or ahead of other

potential challengers when asked "Which candidate, if any, do you think stands the best chance

against Dan Burton? "  Murphy was given the nod by 16% of poll respondents. 

 

Dr. John McGoff scored 16%, Luke Messer scored 15%, and Brose McVey scored 11%. 43% of respondents were undecided or did not know enough about the race to offer an opinion.

"This is a wide-open race," said Murphy.  "My record of creating jobs has resonated with Republican voters who have heard my message.  I look forward to campaigning around the clock over the next three months."

Comments

[Grant County GOP]

Well, what this poll tells me is that since the challengers are essentially tied, and Messer has significantly more cash than the others, then Messer would be the only one who has the resources available to put together a campaign to defeat Burton.

[G]

It tells me Congressman Burton may get two more years

[determined voter]

It is interesting that the poll leaves out Andy Lyons, who has been speaking in debates and at TEA Parties with hundreds of primary voters all over the district. From what I have seen and heard he has been the one to get the standing ovations and people flooding to his table after debates. Time will tell.