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Rep. Murtha Dies at Age 77

February 08, 2010 2:59 PM

Rick Klein ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: Rep. John Murtha, a powerful voice on defense issues who represented a working-class Pennsylvania district in Congress for 36 years, died this afternoon at a hospital in Virginia, his office announced.

Murtha, D-Pa., was chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and was the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Murtha had been hospitalized with an infection following gallbladder surgery last month.

A prominent defense hawk, Murtha became closely associated in recent years with efforts to win funding for defense-related projects, including several that would benefit his Johnstown-based district.

His decision to call for an end to the Iraq War in 2005 -- after voting for it -- was a watershed moment in Democrats’ efforts to unite against President George W. Bush in his second term. Nancy Pelosi pressed for Murtha to be elected House majority leader after she became House speaker in 2007, though the Democratic caucus went with Steny Hoyer instead.

Murtha’s district is certain to be hotly contested this year. Republicans have long viewed his predominantly rural district as a prime pick-up opportunity. Murtha’s was the only congressional district in the country to support John Kerry in 2004 and John McCain in 2008.

The statement from his congressional office follows:

Congressman John P. Murtha (PA-12) passed away peacefully this afternoon at 1:18 p.m. at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA. At his bedside was his family.

Murtha, 77, was Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. 

First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in February of 1974, Murtha dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in the halls of Congress.  A former Marine, he became the first Vietnam War combat Veteran elected to the U.S. Congress.

This past Saturday, February 6, 2010, Murtha became Pennsylvania’s longest serving Member of Congress. 

February 8, 2010 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (71)

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Good ridance to a true American traitor and sludge of a human being, may he keep warm in the here after with the rest of the sludge!!!!!

Posted by: stratabuse | Feb 8, 2010 3:09:33 PM

This is Karma for calling our fighting forces MURDERERS....Too bad he didn't live long enough to get his butt sued off..

Posted by: What? | Feb 8, 2010 3:14:12 PM

Amen to the above post. I'm sure he and Teddy are looking for some shade in Hades right about now.

Posted by: Pittsburgh Patriot | Feb 8, 2010 3:14:44 PM

As you can see, the nut cases are happy about his death. He served his country and retired from the military. Most of the Right that hated him haven't served at all. Eat your heart out Sean Hannity.

Posted by: Itsumo | Feb 8, 2010 3:23:18 PM

Semper Fi!

Posted by: Bill in NC | Feb 8, 2010 3:29:07 PM

Condolences to his family and loved ones. We lost a fighter for our country and our freedom. Please ignore the hateful things some rude and uninformed folks seem compelled to write. He had the courage to stand up for what he believed. I respect that and appreciate his lifetime of service.

Posted by: JJL2010 | Feb 8, 2010 3:31:11 PM

A REAL PATRIOT AND VIETNAM VET

IT ALWAYS TAKES A REAL MAN TO SPEAK UP AND SAY UNPOPULAR THINGS WHEN HIS CONSCIENCE DICTATES...

THE WEAK ARE LIKE SHEEP.

Posted by: CHUCK | Feb 8, 2010 3:35:12 PM

SEMPER FI.

Posted by: CHUCK | Feb 8, 2010 3:35:59 PM

First he rates out his co-conspiritors in ABSCAM to save himself. Now he dies. This snake will do anything to avoid prison.

Posted by: Ken | Feb 8, 2010 3:37:46 PM

Mr. Murtha was a Marine who would have readily given up his life for this country. Only a spineless coward would call him names after his death when he cannot defend himself.

Posted by: William Nathan | Feb 8, 2010 3:39:00 PM

a man that stood 4 his principals. and was brave at doing so. my condolences 2 his family.

Posted by: william martin | Feb 8, 2010 3:42:35 PM

Murtha called the U.S. Marines -"Cold Blooded Killers", Murtha also was an unconvicted co felon in the Abscam Sting; Murtha should have been tosed into a federal pen then. Murtha is a clown who will not even be a footnote in any history book, as he did nothing creditable.

Posted by: Peter Smith | Feb 8, 2010 3:42:54 PM

I see more of the compassionate Christian party are speaking out of love today.

Posted by: secondlook | Feb 8, 2010 3:43:30 PM

William Nathan- the U.S. Marine Corps disowned Jack Murtha after he called them "Cold Blooded Killers who killed innocent women and children"; he was removed from the U.S. Marine Corps rolls.

Posted by: Peter Smith | Feb 8, 2010 3:44:51 PM

a who stood up 4 his principals.more than a lot of these lip professors.

Posted by: william martin | Feb 8, 2010 3:44:56 PM

unlike a few conservative posters here. i respect milatry service in particular viet nam vets. i actually respecte4d kerrys military service as well. i will excuse the mans corrupt side by the good deeds he did perform defending this nation.rip

Posted by: catman | Feb 8, 2010 4:07:46 PM

RIP

Posted by: cony007 | Feb 8, 2010 4:15:16 PM

There are some real slimeballs posting here today. A real reflection of the hatred that is festering in our country. I only hope they reap what they sow.

Posted by: Malkittens | Feb 8, 2010 4:16:30 PM

Semper Fi x Marine good by!!!!!

Posted by: John F | Feb 8, 2010 4:16:47 PM

Once again Conservatives don't bother to actually learn facts before they rant. Murtha called a specific few Marines "murderers" after they were charged with offenses in Haditha. Eventually, these charges were proven to be true. Therefore, Murtha was right. Those particular Marines committed murder. Just as the soldiers at Ma Lai were murderers. Every time, a service personnel violates the Law of War and the Geneva Conventions in killing civilians they hurt their country and their fellow service members.

Posted by: Ellen | Feb 8, 2010 4:16:47 PM

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