RK ARCHIVE - Murtha for Majority Leader

Murtha for Majority Leader

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WASHINGTON -- Rep. John Murtha, a 16-term Democrat known for his close ties to the military and his outspoken opposition to the war in Iraq, said Friday he will run for House majority leader if Democrats win control in November.

Murtha, 73, wrote in a letter to Democratic colleagues that he would seek the post "if we prevail, as I hope and know we will, and return to the majority this next Congress."

"I would appreciate your consideration and vote and look forward to speaking to you personally about my decision," he wrote.

Murtha, regarded as a close ally of Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, has taken his party's lead in demanding an early withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. He served in Vietnam as a Marine and he has a reputation in Congress as a strong friend of the military.

It was not immediately clear if Murtha had discussed his decision to run for the party post with Pelosi.

Democrats need to gain 15 seats to recapture the majority they lost to the Republicans in 1994.

Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, and O'Reilly will need to be put on a suicide watch.

[The above of Murtha with former Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill is from Murtha's Congressional website].

Comments

Murtha would be a good pick (Craig - 6/10/2006 1:32:44 AM)

With Pelosi as Speaker and Hoyer as majority whip, Murtha would be an almost ideal majority leader. He has the seniority to command the respect of the caucus, and has the ability to bridge gaps between the more conservative and progressive wings of the party. It'd be hard to level accusations of being "weak on defense" at a party that puts a Marine in charge.

Plus, all of the major sections of the party trust him, which is pretty important. So yeah, I'd definitely like the idea.

Murtha endorsed Webb (Josh - 6/10/2006 6:20:59 AM)

A Webb candidacy helps to nationalize the midterm and put a stark contrast between the failed, "Lone Gun" militants of the Bush Allen era, and the Integrated Security of Right makes Might, embodied by these and other Fighting Dems.