Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th, only made three indirect references to his run for U.S. Senate at a Hartford luncheon Friday, despite being a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.
Murphy, who lives in Cheshire, spoke about the how the federal government can create jobs, the ongoing federal deficit debate and how partisanship in Washington gets in the way. The event was sponsored by the MetroHartford Alliance and the New England Council.
He first referred to his senate campaign by saying he represents part of Connecticut, but is seeking to represent all of it in a different capacity.
Despite his concerns about the partisan atmosphere in Washington, Murphy said he is optimistic for the future. “I am asking to do this for a six-year commitment.”
He said he wouldn’t make that commitment if he didn’t think things would improve.
Murphy said he is chairman of the Center Aisle Caucus, a group of about 40 Congressmen who are “pragmatic” and “center-leaning.”
He said he tried to recruit a Republican Congressman from Nebraska, but was disappointed with his response.
“I’d love to join, but you have to change the name,” Murphy said, recounting his response. “I can’t join anything with the word ‘center’ in the name.”
One person asked if Murphy thought any plan to fix the deficit could come out of the House. He said Republicans won’t even talk about tax increases.
“I think it’s much harder in the context of the House,” Murphy said. “The Republicans have drawn a line the sand here.”
Murphy said the senate is designed for the exercise of political courage – and he hopes to show some.
He said he finds many Republican proposals “wrongheaded,” but wants people to stop thinking compromise is weakness.
Murphy said his two-and-a-half-year-old son gives him focus on the long-term debt problems faced by the country.
To fix the deficit, he said both sides will have to lose “sacred cows.”
Murphy said the budget debate is “incredibly pivotal.” He said the budget should invest in regional and national strengths and compensate for weaknesses.
Those strengths include financial services, technology and manufacturing, Murphy said.
He said regulation of financial services should take into account the jobs created by the industry.
Murphy said he was responsible for Connecticut’s investments in stem cell research while in the state legislature and looks forward to additional investments in the area.
“I applaud the Governor for going out on a limb and doubling down on Gov. Rell’s plan” for the UConn Health Center, Murphy said.
As for manufacturing, Murphy said renewable energy companies will move their jobs to other countries “if the U.S. doesn’t create demand” for their products.
Murphy said the federal government should also do more to buy from American manufacturers even when it costs more than foreign providers.
One question led Murphy to discuss his recent trip to Afghanistan. He said the recent killing of Osama bin Laden confirmed the need to accelerate the withdrawal of American troops.
“We need to pull our troops out this year.”
Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, of Middletown, and Stamford state Rep. William Tong are running against Murphy for the Democratic nomination.
No Republicans have formally announced but speculation has centered on 2010 nominee Linda McMahon, of Greenwich.
Other Republican possibilities include state Sen. Scott Frantz, of Greenwich, and former Congressman Rob Simmons, of Stonington.
The Daily Caller also speculated that former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker might consider a third-party run for the seat.
Sen. Joseph Liebermen, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, announced he would not seek reelection earlier this year.