The King is Dead

[OakRidgeStars]

The King of Pork, that is

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http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02 ... rtha-dead/

Rep. John Murtha Dead at 77

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the first veteran of the Vietnam war and one of the most powerful lawmakers in Congress, died Wednesday morning at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA, after complications from gallbladder surgery. Murtha was 77.

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the first veteran of the Vietnam war and one of the most powerful lawmakers in Congress, died Wednesday morning at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA, after complications from gallbladder surgery. Murtha was 77.

A native of New Martinsville, W.Va., voters elected first elected Murtha to Congress in a 1974 special election that spelled impending doom for President Nixon and congressional Republicans. That fall, Democrats wrestled away 49 House seats from the GOP, reeling from the scourge of Watergate and a presidency in shambles.

Murtha rose to become the chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee that controls spending for the Pentagon. Chairs of the appropriations subcommittee panels are viewed with such prestige on Capitol Hill that they're called "cardinals." That's a nod to Rome because of the eminence these lawmakers hold over spending for their federal fiefdom.

Murtha was also the endorsed candidate of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to become majority leader when Democrats won control of Congress in 2006. But current House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) overwhelmingly defeated Murtha by secret ballot in a hard-fought leadership contest.

Murtha enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1952 and became a drill instructor at Parris Island. He served in Korea and received a Bronze Star and Two Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam. He continued to be a member of the Marine Corps Reserves until he resigned as a colonel in 1990.

Murtha voted to go to war in Iraq the fall of 2002. But two years later, the Pennsylvania Democrat called for the U.S to withdraw from. Later on the House floor, Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH), the newest member of the House at the time, spoke in favor of the war and chided Murtha that "cowards cut and run, Marines never do." Schmidt's remarks ignited a firestorm on the House floor as lawmakers rose to Murtha's defense. Schmidt later said she didn't know that Murtha was a Marine. She withdrew her comments and apologized.

A hint of scandal lingered over much of Murtha's career. The FBI named Murtha an "unindicted co-conspirator" in its ABSCAM sting operation in the late 1970s and early '80s. ABSCAM resulted in the conviction of five House members and one senator. The FBI recorded Murtha on videotape declining a $50,000 bribe from federal agents posing as Arab sheiks. But the Congressman did say he could be interested in future dealings.

Nicknamed "The King of Pork," Murtha also faced scrutiny for earmarking federal dollars for projects in his district. Numerous news reports lambasted the Congressman for steering money to the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. The facility received $150 million from Washington for upgrades despite limited commercial use. But the airport is also used for military purposes.

The Congressman also faced scrutiny for campaign contributions he and other appropriators received from the now defunct PMA lobbying firm. Murtha scored nearly $2.5 million in donations from PMA and its clients over a nearly 20 year period. The feds continue to scrutinize PMA. The Office of Congressional Ethics asked the House Ethics Committee to drop any inquiries into the dealings Murtha had with PMA.

Murtha also stirred controversy in the fall of 2008 with President Obama poised to become the first African American president. When asked about Mr. Obama's chances in his Congressional district, Murtha responded that "there's no question western Pennsylvania is a racist area."

Even though Murtha won re-election, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) carried the district over by about 1,000 votes.

Despite controversy, Murtha was beloved by his House colleagues for holding court in what's called "Murtha's corner" in the rear of the House chamber. During a House vote series, Murtha could often be seen trading information or spinning yarns with fellow lawmakers. He also won the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and Pennsylvania's two highest honors, the Distinguished Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

[allingeneral]

Was he still representing Pennsylvania when he passed? So, another special election?

[ProShooter]

Whew! What a relief! I thought that you were talking about Elvis..

[OakRidgeStars]

Was he still representing Pennsylvania when he passed? So, another special election?

Bill Russell(R) was actively campaigning to replace Murtha in November. I'm not sure if there will be a special election. To show just what a classy guy he is, Russell released this statement after learning of Murtha's passing.

RUSSELL ASKS FOR PRAYERS FOR MURTHA FAMILY

Announces a Moratorium on Campaign Media Efforts

(JOHNSTOWN, PA) – Responding to the sudden and unfortunate announcement of the death of Rep. John Murtha (D-PA-12th), GOP challenger William Russell has asked all citizens, Republicans, Democrats and Independents to come together and pray for Joyce and the Murtha family as they deal with the tragic loss of husband, father and grandfather. “While Mr. Murtha and I were political combatants in every sense, our family and campaign team asks you to keep the Murtha family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Russell. “Regardless of your political position, you always knew Jack had an immense love and loyalty to his family and the residents of the12th Congressional District.

The Russell campaign is immediately initiating a moratorium on all political media activity for the next five days in respect of the passing of John Murtha. The campaign will also remove all political references to Mr. Murtha on the Russellbrigade.com website immediately.

It is the wish of the William Russell for Congress Committee, that the passing of Mr. Murtha be treated with the utmost respect and decency by all…"

That's much better than Murtha gave the U.S. Marines at Haditha.

[GS78]

He was a US combat Veteran.

I never liked his politics, but I always said "At least he is one of the democrats who paid his dues". He was a patriot at a time when we needed another one. I can overlook his congressional history.

[zephyp]

I too appreciate and thank him for his service, but that doesnt mitigate the damage he done while in congress. Just because you're a combat veteran doesnt give you a free pass on everything.

[GS78]

I too appreciate and thank him for his service, but that doesnt mitigate the damage he done while in congress. Just because you're a combat veteran doesnt give you a free pass on everything.

I didn't give him a "free pass" on anything DK, the fact that he got re-elected for what? 36 years? I would say the people in his district gave him that. Like I said, at least he put his ass on the line, wasn't in the rear with the gear like Gore was, or cut himself shaving like John Kerry did. What I meant to say was, I am not going to stand over the body of a US combat vet, no matter his politics, and be the one "kicking him". Thats all. Depending on what he believed theologically he may have another "free pass" coming.

[zephyp]

I too appreciate and thank him for his service, but that doesnt mitigate the damage he done while in congress. Just because you're a combat veteran doesnt give you a free pass on everything.

I didn't give him a "free pass" on anything DK, the fact that he got re-elected for what? 36 years? I would say the people in his district gave him that. Like I said, at least he put his ass on the line, wasn't in the rear with the gear like Gore was, or cut himself shaving like John Kerry did. What I meant to say was, I am not going to stand over the body of a US combat vet, no matter his politics, and be the one "kicking him". Thats all. Depending on what he believed theologically he may have another "free pass" coming.

Please dont misunderstand. I'm merely saying what I wouldnt do. My apologies if I insinuated you did.

[LFS]

Apparently Murtha was also a reliable pro-gun vote.

And while I did not agree with the egregious earmarking, he was doing what most every other Congressmen does. In other words, don't hate the player -- hate the game.

[zephyp]

Apparently Murtha was also a reliable pro-gun vote.

And while I did not agree with the egregious earmarking, he was doing what most every other Congressmen does. In other words, don't hate the player -- hate the game.

Yes, but he also got caught up in a couple of scandals.

[Vahunter]

He may have been a marine but he wasn't as kind to service members as people think. He's the one that said Marines were murdering innocent people in Iraq. Nice guy huh ?