Democratic congressional candidate Scott Murphy was in the office today for an editorial board meeting as a part of our endorsement process. Although I've met Murphy several times previously, this was my first opportunity to sit down with the candidate.

In general, Murphy strikes me as a very good politician, meaning that he is composed, articulate, friendly, and speaks with authority on issues of which he has knowledge. Rather than speak on conjecture, Murphy declined to render opinions on some matters that have only come up in the past day or two.

As something of an "outsider," Murphy does not have a legislative or voting record to scrutinize, but he is quick to talk about the importance of the process, even as he criticizes a "flawed" committee system in congress.

Murphy is also clearly doing everything he can to draw paralells between himself and Kirsten Gillibrand, noting multiple times how he would work with her, and continue some programs she started, such as publicly posting a schedule and holding congress on your corner.

He is not a lightning rod who is going to call the voters to arms, but he certainly exudes the aura of a man who would be comfortable in DC.

We are hoping to have Murphy's opponent, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco in for an editorial board meeting as well, but at last check, were having some difficulty in scheduling a meeting. Stay tuned.