Patrick Murphy Eyes Run For Pennsylvania Attorney General Offfice

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - It appears there will not be a rematch next year between Michael Fitzpatrick and Patrick Murphy in the 8th Congressional District in Bucks County. Murphy has his sights set on statewide office in 2012.

The former congressman says he's bypassing another shot at Congress to run for state attorney general. Murphy says he's lined up significant support among elected officials, Democratic party leaders, and labor groups. The decision comes after several months of speculation about Murphy's future following his loss to Fitzpatrick in November.

Murphy believes there's room for improvement in the AG's office, but he did credit Governor Corbett for rooting out public corruption while he was attorney general.

"You know people are tired of folks who are feathering their nests once they get into political office, and we need to make sure it's a higher priority moving forward in the attorney general's office."

Party leaders may be quick to line up behind Murphy given his ability to raise millions of dollars for three Congressional runs. Former Philadelphia DA Lynne Abraham is also considering a run on the Democratic side.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio