How much is Patty Murray really a Democrat?

DW Nominate Scores:

Based on the 113th Congress, Patty received a score of -.367, which is the one of the scores most closely aligning President Obama's. This score means that she is not an extreme liberal, but rather falls in the middle to the democratic party. Murray is moderate for her party, but definitely left on the spectrum with a negative score closer to -1than 1.

They are basically bbf's 

Murray is also in line with some of her colleagues:

Stephen Lynch: (D-MA) -0.364

Loretta Sanchez: (D-CA) -0.369

Mark Udall: (D-CO) -0.359

There are a few reasons for why Murray votes moderate compared to other Members of Congress. Murray represents a primarily blue state  therefore most of her ideology is based off her constituents in her state. Based on the scholarly article of Daily Kos, Washington was voted America's bluest state in 2014. 

Party Unity

Patty Murray has a party unity vote of 94.1, which is relatively high. This suggests that she votes democratic on almost every issue. It also shows that Murray consistently votes toward the democratic side. Because of her close alignment with President Obama, she agrees with most of what the president does and says. Back in November, Murray backed up the president with his motion to act on the new immigration system. Murray states, "As President Obama said this evening, America is a nation of laws, and the actions he announced reaffirm that legacy while continuing our shared commitment to national security and public safety." 

ADA and Interest Groups

Based on the Americans for Democratic Action, Murray was in favor 90% of the time. This also is not surprising because of how blue Washington is and how she supports the president. The only two that Patty voted against ADA was on Senate vote 352 and Senate vote 364. 

Senate vote 352: Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 83. This vote dealt with the development of energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable and reliable energy. Passed 77-19 on December 13th, 2014

Senate vote 364: Passage of H.R. 5771 - Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. This dealt with extending many pro-corporations, costly special tax provisions like accelerated depreciation and race horse deductions that should expire. Passed 76-16 on December 16th, 2014

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Patty Murray is a member of these committees:

Patty educates all age groups

Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee: This committee deals with a broad range of issues that are covered by health, education, labor and pensions. Some of the more specifics that branch from this committee are: child labor, aging, biomedical research, equal employment opportunity, individuals with disabilities, and labor wages. Patty has been serving on this committee since 2007 and is currently the Ranking Member of this committee. Since Patty's background is in education, this committee is her expertise. In one article by the Wall Street Journal, it explained how Patty is ready to take on this committee. She stated that she is planning to "fight as hard as I can to make sure that that the voices, values, and priorities of students, workers and families, are heard loud and clear." This committee is arguably the committee that has and is able to help Patty the most. Being that she is the ranking member, she has a lot of power in what goes on and working to change things that she is passionate about. Because of her background in education and the stem of where her political career started, she is able to resonate with many families about the issues that hit close to home. Patty is currently working on a bipartisan compromise dealing with the "no child left behind act" and changing this to make it more applicable by ending the states' need from waivers from the law. 

Appropriations Committee: the appropriations committee decides specific expenditures about government. It consists of 30 members and is the largest committee. This committee works with the budget committee to form legislation that allocates federal funds to government agencies. Patty Murray, who is a member of both committees is able to bring in resources from both committees to help. This helps to get things done on both committees and Patty has good perspectives being a part of both committees. From the source of National Review, Murray secured the 9th highest amount of dollars in earmarks for the appropriations committee. This gave her the nickname, "Queen of Pork."

Patty, doing what she does best: a.k.a getting things done

Veterans’ Affairs Committee: this committees deals with Veterans' issues. Patty was the first female member on this committee, which is important to her as she comes in with knowledge and perspective because of her past. Patty's father, who earned a purple heart in WWII, dealt with health problems when he came home from war. Patty's ideological beliefs are based off her experiences when her father was sick. She is extremely passionate about helping others the way people helped her family. She is a member of this committee and brings a different perspective than other members. She is able to be resourceful by using her membership on the Appropriations committee to handle funds out of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. The bill pictured in the photograph, displays Patty's work to helping veterans get back to work and giving them the skill set to do so. 

Budget Committee: the budget committee is in charge of producing Congress' budget plans and for monitoring the federal budget. Their job is to create a framework or outline for the budget called the "concurrent resolution." The members of this committee are also in charge of enforcing the budget. Based on the scholarly article by Politico, Patty, who is the chair of this committee, works with both sides of the committee to come to the best compromise possible for the middle class. Lately, Patty has been working with Paul Ryan (a republican from Wisconsin) to come to an agreement over 2014 and 2015 budget. This shows how Patty is a vital member of the budget committee as she is working to get stuff done and be a successful team player. Patty remains a vital member of this committee because of her tireless effort to help to middle class, but also her ability to get what she wants in a resourceful way.

Patty Murray is also a member of these subcommittees:

            Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee

            Energy and Water Development Subcommittee
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee

            Defense Subcommittee

            Homeland Security Subcommittee

How Popular is Patty Murray?

Patty Murray takes no nonsense!

Since 1992, when Murray joined the senate, she has become increasingly more popular. She has become a person who has proved many wrong and has shown growth as a senator in last decades. 

Last Election

Her last election, in 2010, was against Dino Rossi. It was one of the closest races in history. Murray won by less than 4 percent (51.8 v. 48.1). The election was intended to recruit Dino Rossi to run against Murray in hope that they could win another Republican in the senate. This was a major deal because it could sway the majority over to the Republicans. The election was nasty and closer throughout. Based on the scholarly essay by Manisha Kaura, there were two major differences in the gap of voters:

• The Gender Gap: votes were split evenly between the males (M:48 R:51), but there was a gap between the women (M:57 R:36). Multiple sources explain how this gap has a correlation with EMILY's List which helped Murray bring home the "W."
• The Age Gap: Rossi did better with the "young voters" (45:36) and Murray did better with the "baby boomers" (57:37). This also helped in Murray's favor as there is generally a larger group of baby boomers that vote than the younger population. 

Washington State is primarily blue when it comes to presidential elections. In 2012, Obama won over Romney 56% to 41%. There is indication that this state will also be blue once again. The fact that the Washington is a blue state will help Patty to get reelected because she is democratic. 

Reelection 

She's fierce and mighty.

Patty, at first, was not taken seriously. Her nickname, "mom in tennis shoes" stuck. Patty used this to her advantage and began proving people wrong. She continued to progress and prove that she is so much more than people ever thought she could do. Her strategy is unlike others. Patty is also referred to a "work horse," not a "show horse." Patty gets the job done without needing to be in spotlight. Overtime, this has shown and she continues to gather support. 

Patty has announced that she will be running for her 5th term in 2016. With an interview conducted by Seattle Times, "A lot of people say to me, ‘Gosh, why

do you want to keep doing it?’ It’s a question that deserves to be answered. I’d really rather be in the middle of the debate fighting for the people of Washington state rather than yelling at my television." This speaks truly of why Murray is in office: to get things done. 

Murray, Ranked 4th in leadership among senator democrats and there is talk about her being the first senate democratic leader if Harry Reid were to step down. Based on the inclined popular vote in Washington and gained respect in the senate, Patty Murray's  vote is a sad one. There is talk about Dave Reichert running for senator against Patty but he has not made any announcements. 

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

Patty's top 5 contributors to her campaign have been Microsoft, EMILY's List, University of Washington, Amazon, and Boeing Co. Patty currently has raised over 16 million dollars since she was in office since 1992. Patty tends to be lower in funds (compared to the average) on years where there is not reelection, but well above average on election years. This isn't a surprise. Patty also holds a lot of luncheons in order to raise money. Patty is known to never stop fundraising, but asks her supporters to give what they can. In an article conducted by Seattle PI, Patty claims that "she is running against Koch brothers. The brothers are planning on throwing just under a billion dollars into the election of 2016. Patty is making a statement about having too much power with the use of money over the elections. Patty has a much more modest approach to fundraising. Seattle PI states that Murray's first "campaign costs just $1.2 million.  The 2016 contest to retain her seat is expected to come at a price tag of more than 20 times as much,"

What will shape Patty's Election?

Patty will address some of the issues that Washington is facing now. One issue that Patty focuses on is Education. She will address how she hopes to help educate the younger generations and help to make college more affordable. She uses her background and former life as a preschool teacher to give insight to how things should be fixed. Patty tends to focus on issues within Washington. Other issues that Patty will focus on issues regarding Veterans, Agriculture, and Women's rights.

Patty is also working with Paul Ryan, a republican on a budget plan. She describes this as a process that will take a lot of compromise, but that will be the only way things will ever get done.

WHAT'S NEW WITH PATTY MURRAY

Featured: Patty, showing us what's up

Press Releases:

February 24, 2015

Patty worked towards passing a "clean bill that will fund the department of Homeland Security without strings attached." She uses this statement to funnel into specific issues regarding this bill. One issue specifically pertaining to Washington deals with the firefighters at Whatcom County Fire District applying for a grant that will provide new equipment. Patty stresses that failing to fund to Department of Homeland Security, these issues are at risk. 

February 19, 2015

Patty makes a press release to inform that Washington has been given a grant of over $11 million to help support in home family visits. This grant will be used to help pregnant women, but also would help to ensure babies and young children (ages newborn to 5) are getting the proper nutrition and resources needed to stay healthy.

February 17, 2015

Patty and Dean Heller proposed a bill that would help to ensure that female veterans are treated with the proper care by the Veterans Affairs. This is important because as there is a rise in women in the military, the VA needs to keep up with the changes and provide the help and resources women need.

Bills Sponsored/ Cosponsored

Patty Murray has sponsored 58 bills and cosponsored 258. Some of the most recent bills that she has sponsored include:

9/18/2014 The PACE act: Protected America's Civilian Employees: enables help to workers by adding more apprenticed programs to aid the growing amount of people with degrees who need experience

9/18/2014 Emergency Contraception Access and Education Act of 2014: requires any hospital that is given funds from the government to provide women who have been victims of sexual assault accurate and unbiased information about emergency contraception. They would provide the proper care to these women regardless if they can pay.

One of the most recent bills Patty has cosponsored include:

12/19/2014 United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014: From the credible source of America's Pro-Israel Lobby, this act "directly enhances our relationship with Israel." This act demonstrates our commitment to growing Israel as country in a multitude of ways (intelligence, homeland security, alternative fuel technologies, etc.). 

Franking/ Mailing

Franking: 

There are multiple different ways that Murray is getting her voice heard and her face out. You contact her via her website, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Where Has Patty Been Going?!

Patty travels to and from Washington States to Washington D.C. frequently. Patty is known for her down-to-earth personality and get-it done work ethic. Patty takes the time to get to know people and genuinely cares about the people she serves. There is a coffee and greeting set up where people are able to meet with Patty called "weekly coffee with Patty" in Washington D.C. The schedule for the coming months:

March: 4, 11, 18, 25

April: 15, 22, 29

May: 6, 13, 20, 27

June: 3, 10, 17, 24

July: 8, 15, 22, 29

Patty also has offices in Vancouver, Yakima, Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma. 
Not only does Patty spend time at there office in Yakima, but she sees the issues of gang activity and wants something done about this. Not only does she want the atmosphere to change in the community of Yakima, but Patty sees this as a growing issues nationwide. She emphasizes that there is a need for more federal funding for the resources to help solve this issue of rising gang violence.

Patty Murray
State Senator of Washington

ALL ABOUT PATTY MURRAY

Position: Democrat

Age: 64

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

Patty Murray is a U.S. Senator for Washington. Patty was born and raised in Bothell, Washington. She graduated from Washington State University in 1972. Patty is a firm believer in helping Americans during tough times.

While growing up, her family hit a few hard bumps in which Patty claims, without government help, she and her family wouldn’t be where they are today. Her father was a war veteran who became and sick and could no longer provide for their family. With assistance, her mother was able to go back to school and get a better job. Government assistance also put her and her siblings through college.

Patty’s intentions were never in politics, but soon after becoming involved in advocating for her child’s preschool program, politics found her. She became successful by organizing a grassroots coalition. Continuing on with her successes, she went on to serve on the Shoreline School Board and began her journey as Washington’s State Senate in 1988.

• ·      Patty was the first female senator from Washington state
• ·      Patty has been serving on the Senate Democratic Leadership since 2007
• ·      Patty’s focus is in education, budget issues, healthcare, women's and veteran's issues 

THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

Population: 6,971,406

Major Cities: Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue

Racial Makeup: White: 77.3% Black: 3.6% American Indian: 1.5% Asian: 7.2% Other race: 5.2% Two or more races: 4.7% Hispanic/Latino: 11.2%

• ·      Washington is the lead producer for apples and it is their State fruit
• ·      Starbucks was founded in Seattle
•      Microsoft Corporation is located here
• ·      The games, Pictionary and Cranium were both invented in Washington

Sources:

http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/biography

http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=m001111

http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Patty_Murray_Principles_+_Values.htm