Murtha For Clinton

PA Rep. John Murtha said in a statement Tuesday that he was endorsing Hillary Clinton for president, citing her ability to tackle issues from healthcare to the economy to the war in Iraq.

"This week, she highlighted the policy failures in Iraq and addressed the real challenges we face in regards to rebuilding our military, restoring our readiness and fully preparing our armed forces to meet and deter future threats," Murtha said in a statement. " I know that Senator Clinton has a similar position that I have in regards to the war in Iraq."

He added: "Her experience and careful consideration of these issues convinced me that she is best qualified to lead our nation and to bring credibility back to the White House."

Murtha, who represents Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district, has been a passionate voice against the Iraq war. He was Nancy Pelosi's selection for House Majority Leader, a position he lost, of course, to Steny Hoyer.

Clinton has focused on Iraq the past two days as the country marks the fifth anniversary of the start of the conflict.
Her chief rival, Barack Obama, has argued she showed poor judgment voting to authorize the use of force there, but the New York senator has argued she is the candidate best able to end the war.

(NBC/NJ's ATHENA JONES)