So what happens to a defeated politician, especially a Congressman or woman who rode to power against great odds, narrowly won election, and seemed to gain popularity from at least his or her constituency while in office? For U.S. Senator Kristin Gillibrand, our area's former representative, the sky seems to be the limit now that she's been seen nationwide as one of the lead voices prodding her GOP opposition top action on the so-called 9/11 Responders bill. A new story from the PostStar in Glens Falls, meanwhile, shows outgoing U.S. Rep. Scott Murphy saying he's ready to get back to being just another hard-working dad with ideas about how to make Glens Falls a better place to live.

From PostStar :

But the approximately 20 months he spent representing the region in Congress has been a great experience, he said in a telephone interview from Washington on Tuesday.

"The frustration people feel with government and partisan gridlock is very real. ... But the process of being involved in government is very rewarding," said Murphy, who lost his re-election bid in November to U.S. Rep.-elect Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook.

Murphy, who leaves office on Jan. 2, said he plans to continue living in Glens Falls and stay involved at least to some degree in local and regional issues, once he finds a new job.

At this point, he's not certain whether that job would be in business, government or self-employment.

Murphy worked for a venture capital firm before he was elected in a March 31, 2009, special election to represent the 20th Congressional District.

Earlier he worked in finance and government and started and sold several businesses.

One of the good things about serving in Congress, Murphy said, is getting to meet lots of people.

"I've met thousands of new friends and acquaintances, and everybody's got a different plan for me," he said, with a laugh.

"So there's lots of ideas out there, which I really appreciate -- people thinking of me. We'll take some time and figure it out," he said.

One option not on the immediate horizon is making another run for elected office.

"Oh, I have no real idea," he said when asked if he expects to run for elected office again. "Not this week -- that's for sure."

Murphy said he would like to stay involved in discussion of regional economic development issues, particularly the expansion of broadband Internet.

"So, we're trying figure out what's right where I can still have an impact on economic development and creating jobs and opportunities and at the same time try to be available for watching my kids grow up and being a part of their lives," he said.

In the meantime, Murphy said he's focused on closing out the congressional session and trying to help his congressional office staff find new jobs.

"I'm still trying to make sure that everybody finds a new home for next year," he said. "Some of the folks have taken jobs, but there's still a lot of people that are out interviewing and looking around."