Dubuque lawmaker elect to lead Democrats

Democrats in the Iowa House have elected a long-time lawmaker from Dubuque as their new leader. Representative Pat Murphy will replace retiring House Democrat Leader Dick Myers. Murphy’s predecessor was quick to turn a phrase or tell a joke to make his point, and Murphy says his communication style is to-the-point.Murphy says he tends to be more of a behind-the-scenes person. Republicans have held majority control of the Iowa House since 1992, but Murphy says Democrats now have a big issue to use against the G-O-P since Republicans pushed through cuts in state aid to cities and counties that’s forcing the layoffs of dozens of police and fire fighters.Murphy says there wasn’t a Democrat in the House or Senate who voted for that cut. Murphy, who is 43 years old, has worked as a communications instructor at a community college for the past four years and plans to become a full-time legislator due to his election as a leader.