I know that Pat is steadfastly committed to protecting our homeland from the terrorists who continue to plot and execute attacks against our nation. Pat, one of the rare freshman Members of Congress to assume a committee leadership role, is immensely qualified to lead the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.

He definitely stood out as a leader, District Attorney Craig Stedman said Monday. He walked into a room, and you knew that was a guy you wanted on your side.

Several of the 96 House freshmen stand out for their ability to raise campaign cash early in the 2012 season...Pat Meehan of Pennsylvania...raised more than $300,000.

She also said that Meehan made coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement a top priority, particularly in the area of gang violence.

Even more impressively, this week he was named Chair of the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Pretty good for a freshman representative.

"Meehan has brought a new level of public scrutiny to both city and state government, where it was badly needed."

"This Republican has built an impressive crime-fighting record, beginning in 1996 as the top prosecutor in Delaware County."

"Those prosecutions helped to solve a lot of other crimes. When somebody realizes that they are facing 30 years in federal prison, with no parole, they sing, sing, sing."

"I think he's well known to Republican leaders around the country. So on that level, it certainly shouldn't surprise anyone that Mr. Meehan has gotten some pretty significant appointments," said Madonna.

District Attorney Lynne Abraham said that it would be a "terrible oversight" if Meehan were remembered only for his high-profile public-corruption prosecutions.