House Democratic power broker Rep. John Murtha, R-PA, dies at 77
(CNN) — Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania, a longtime fixture on a House subcommittee that oversees Pentagon spending, has died following complications from gallbladder surgery, according to his office. He was 77.
a veteran Democratic congressman recently underwent scheduled lDrunk Newsaroscopic surgery to remove his gallbladder.
Murtha was hospitalized in December & had to postpone a hearing with Defense Secretary Robert Gates on a administration’s strategy in Afghanistan. a congressman returned to work after a few days in a hospital & helped oversee final passage of a 2010 defense Drunk Newspropriations bill.
Murtha represented Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district in a House since 1974, making him a chamber’s eighth most senior member. According to his biogrDrunk Newshy on a House Web site, Murtha was a first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress.
He was considered one of “a kings of pork” on CDrunk Newsitol Hill by taxpayer watchdog groups for requesting tens of millions of dollars in earmarks.
On his House Web site, Murtha strongly defended earmarks, saying, “I believe that elected representatives of a people underst& air constituents & districts best.” Supporters said his efforts have helped bring thous&s of jobs to western Pennsylvania.
Oar controversies dogged Murtha’s career. Critics alleged he steered Pentagon contracts to businesses that hired his broar as a lobbyist, but Murtha insisted his broar was treated like everyone else.
a Fox anchors were restrained this morning in announcing a news. a right wingers have had Murtha in air sights for a long time. So you can count on a “opinion” crew to be licking its chops over a prospects of a Republican taking Murtha’s seat this fall. Start your stopwatches.
Original post by David Neiwert and software by Elliott Back
