Strouse reflects after defeat

U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.) secured a fourth term in the House Tuesday night - you can read our story about his victory, and a strong night for all area incumbents, here.

As for his opponent, Democratic challenger Kevin Strouse, the first-time candidate said after his defeat that he was disappointed in the result but proud of his campaign.

In a telephone interview late Tuesday night, Strouse, 35, said his team "knew the headwinds we were facing" ahead of launching his campaign, and noted that the climate seemed to become increasingly hostile toward President Obama as Election Day drew near.

Still, he said, there were real issues to fight for in the campaign, and "that's why I decided to run, even facing the odds." Some of the topics Strouse campaigned on were raising the minimum wage, investing in infrastructure, and boosting education programs like pre-K and Pell Grants.

Strouse effusively praised his staff, but did admit that running against a well-known and well-funded incumbent was difficult. "We didn't have the resources necessary" to win, he said.

Fitzpatrick raised significantly more money than Strouse during the campaign - $2.8 million to $1.2 million, according to the latest filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Asked whether he'd sign up to run again in 2016, when Fitzpatrick will step down amidst self-imposed term limits and the seat will be open in a presidential year, Strouse said he hadn't thought that far ahead.

The only item on his agenda, he said, was serving breakfast to his young children the next morning and re-grouping after a difficult race.

"Despite my outcome," he said, "I'm proud that I ran."