(Globe Staff Photo / John Tlumacki)
Stephen J. Murphy | A sleepless night, then a restless day
AGE: 46
HOME: HYDE PARK
What time he woke up: 4:30
a.m., after four hours sleep, due
to both nerves and the Patriots
game.
What he had for breakfast: One
cup of coffee, cream and sugar.
First person talked to in the
morning: Lori, his wife. ''I said
'good morning' and she said
'What's so good about it?' ''
How he got around during day:
In 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora,
driven by friend Tom Collins,
son of the late Boston mayor.
Estimated number of hands
shaken: 1,200.
Number of campaign workers
helping him: 360.
Political memorabilia handed
out: Nail files, stickers, refrigerator
magnets.
How he felt about his chances
at noontime: A bit uncertain.
Campaign pitch: ''The fact that
I got the $24 million back for
the home rule petition was an
accomplishment. The fact that
I do this full time is also important,
as well as the quality of
life issues that I try to focus on.''
What voters at polls said to
him: ''I gave you the bullet,'' meaning they voted only for
Murphy on a four-vote ballot —
a strong indication of support.
How the weather affected him:
Lost about a dozen campaign
stickers, which constantly came
unglued from his coat.
What his family did to help
him: Mother worked polls at St.
Nectarios Hall in Roslindale;
father did same at the Boston
Police Academy in Hyde Park;
sister worked West Roxbury
and brother South Boston.
What he ate during day: Chicken
salad sandwich from van
that brought lunch to campaign
workers for Councilor Michael F. Flaherty.
Where he had election night
party: Doyle's Cafe, Jamaica
Plain.
Why he thinks he won: Attention
to community projects,
from street and sidewalk maintenance
around senior housing
to installation of crosswalk
signs that count down the number
of seconds before traffic
signal changes.
How he plans to spend today:
Bleary-eyed and foggy-headed
at a noontime City Council
meeting.
By Mac Daniel
