[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 47 (Monday, March 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE DEMOCRATS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2007

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate the University of Pennsylvania Democrats for being named 
the ``2006 Chapter of the Year'' by the Pennsylvania Federation of 
College Democrats.
  For those who say all young people are apathetic, I say, look at the 
Penn Democrats. They are inspiring proof to the contrary. Their hard 
work and dedication make them admirable examples--models not just to 
their fellow students or to other Democrats, but to all of us who seek 
to improve our communities through civic engagement and public service.
  The Penn Democrats are to be commended for their continued outward 
focus. Not content to exist merely as a self-contained committee of 
like-minded people, they maintain an active presence on the University 
of Pennsylvania campus and work to encourage other students to become 
politically active. When voter turnout on campus grew by 280 percent 
between the 2000 and 2004 elections, the increase was due in large part 
to the efforts of the Penn Democrats, who ran a nonpartisan voter 
registration drive and successfully lobbied the City of Philadelphia to 
create six additional polling places convenient to the Penn campus. 
They ran a strong Get-Out-The-Vote effort in 2006 as well, and election 
day turnout among Penn students more than tripled that of the previous 
midterm elections, in 2002.
  Their involvement in the larger community beyond the University is as 
laudable as their on-campus involvement, and is perhaps more 
extraordinary among college organizations. The Penn Democrats have 
worked hard to place students in local political offices. Through the 
organization's efforts in 2005, nine Penn students joined 
Philadelphia's 27th Ward Democratic Committee, and 20 more served as 
Inspectors or Judges of Elections.
  The passion, energy, and focus of these students have made the Penn 
Democrats a respected institution on campus, in the local community, 
and in state and national politics. Politicians and candidates value 
invitations to speak at their events, not because they simply want good 
``photo ops,'' but because they know that the Penn Democrats play a 
meaningful role in politics and in the community.
  I applaud the University of Pennsylvania College Democrats for their 
well-deserved recognition as Chapter of the Year.

                          ____________________