Remembering John Murtha

Today's Hotline remembrance of Rep. John Murtha (D-PA):

Rep. John Murtha (D), who "survived scandal and seismic political shifts to become the longest-serving" member of Congress from PA, died 2/8 p.m. in VA, "from complications following gallbladder surgery." He was 77.

"Revered in his district," which he never won with less than 55% of the vote, Murtha "became famous initially as the first Vietnam combat veteran to serve in Congress, then as one of the kings of congressional pork," becoming "a perennial target" for reform groups and "a hero to lobbyists" as he "created an elaborate and subsidized defense industry" in his hometown of Johnstown. "Never once did he offer even a hint of apology for his methods and the billions in earmarks." Murtha said in an '09 interview, "If I'm corrupt, it's because I take care of my district" (Roddy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/9).

"Alternately respected and feared by his colleagues" (Stout, New York Times, 2/9), Murtha was a "champion of organized labor and an opponent of both abortion rights and gun control" who "exemplified his steel-and-coal district." Presiding over what became the "Murtha corner" in the House, he "wielded power quietly." GOPers and Dems alike "sought his advice on defense matters," and from his post on the House Appropriations defense subcmte, he "personally dispensed billions" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/9).

"A colorful and outspoken presence in the House for 36 years" (Bendavid/Miller, Wall Street Journal, 2/8), Murtha "created a storm in Washington" when he "lambasted" the George W. Bush admin.'s handling of the Iraq war, "saying it failed to brief Congress on progress in the war and shut out questions" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/9). Murtha's "fierce opposition" to the war ultimately" helped catalyze public sentiment against the conflict" (Oliphant, Los Angles Times, 2/9).

Recently, Murtha "and several close associates came under scrutiny of ethics and investigative panels" (Leonnig/Weil, Washington Post, 2/9). Murtha "was never charged" in the probe into the PMA lobbying firm, or another probe into Kuchera Industries, one of the dozens of defense contractors in his CD (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/9).

He also "loved birdhouses, fretted about his roses and bet early" on Speaker Nancy Pelosi to become the first woman to hold her post (Rogers, Politico, 2/8).

Murtha is survived by his wife, Joyce, his children, Donna, John add Patrick, the three grandchildren (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/9).

This Seat Is Saved

Among the nat'l and party leaders remembering Murtha:

• Pres. Obama: "Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack's tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers" are with his family (release, 2/8).

• Pelosi, a close friend to Murtha: "Jack Murtha was a giant. All who served with him were honored to call him colleague. I was privileged to call him friend."

• More Pelosi: "America lost a great patriot. He served our country on the battlefield winning two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He served his country in his community winning the hearts of his constituents and served in the Congress winning the respect of his colleagues. ... He is well-recognized as a champion of our national security; always putting the troops and their families first. He quietly and regularly visited our men and women serving our country who were injured to assess their needs and offer them thanks and encouragement. As proud Marine, he was always Semper Fi! ... "The nation saw his courage writ large when he spoke out against the military engagement in Iraq" (release, 2/8).

• House Min. Leader John Boehner: "Today, our nation has lost a decorated veteran and the House of Representatives has lost one of its own. ... I was saddened to hear of John Murtha's passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and loved ones. I also want to express my condolences to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who valued Congressman Murtha's advice and friendship. He will be missed" (release, 2/8).

• Defense Sec. Robert Gates: "I've known Jack and worked with him for more than two decades. In our dealings over the years, Jack and I did not always agree, but I always respected his candor" (Politico, 2/8).

• JCOS Chair Adm. Mike Mullen: "From health care to weapons procurement, from shipbuilding to pay and benefits, no one understood the needs of our modern military better than he did. That we remain the greatest military in the history of the world is a testament in no small part to his vigilance and stewardship" (AP, 2/9).

• Senate Maj. Leader Harry Reid: "The scores of friends and colleagues who worked with Jack during his 36 years of service in Congress will miss the tenacity and passion that he brought to his job every day. ... The American people are safer because of the military experience that Jack Murtha brought to Congress. He will be sorely missed" (The Hill, 2/8).

• DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen: "With the passing of Congressman Jack Murtha, America has lost a patriotic veteran, Pennsylvanians have lost a tireless advocate, and we have lost a friend. Congressman Murtha dedicated his life to serving the nation he loved. ... His leadership will be missed, but his place in history is secured as the first combat veteran of the Vietnam War elected to Congress" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/8).

Please see today's Hotline for full coverage.

Special Circumstances

Murtha's passing "will set off a flurry of political activity," but it was "unclear" on 2/8 when the special election will happen. Gov. Ed Rendell (D): "I haven't had time to look at this at all" (Faher/Reabuck, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, 2/9). But he said his "inclination is to save the state money by holding" the special on 5/18. According to election law, the special must be held "at least 60 days after" Rendell issues the order for a special election (Barnes/McNulty, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/9).

There would actually be two "simultaneous elections" on 5/18 -- the special to serve out Murtha's term, and the primary contests to win a spot on the Nov. ballot (pa2010.com, 2/8).

Of Primary Concern

The process of selecting candidates for the special:

The Dem process: PA Dem exec. dir. Mary Isenhour said Dem cmte members within the CD "would make a recommendation" to the state cmte's exec. board. That board then chooses the nominee.

The GOP process: GOP spokesperson Michael Barley said a nominee will be chosen at a meeting of GOP delegates from within the CD. At that meeting, prospective candidates will make their case to "conferees" representing each county in the CD (Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, 2/9).

Indies can run "if they get a certain number of petition signatures" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/9).