November 3, 2008 - 9:26am
News

MoveOn boosts Murtha

WASHINGTON – Should he win his suddenly-competitive re-election race on Tuesday, longtime U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) will owe a big debt of thanks to the members of the progressive-minded political action committee MoveOn.org.

Since issuing a last-minute appeal to MoveOn.org’s fundraising list on Wednesday, the organization has infused Murtha’s campaign with over $187,000 in cash, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Murtha’s ramped-up fundraising efforts comes just days after receiving heated criticism for saying in a media interview that residents in his Southeastern Pennsylvania district are “racist” and “rednecks.”

Murtha’s re-election, once seemingly assured, is now in doubt. Last week, the National Republican Congressional Committee, sensing an opportunity, invested in nearly $500,000 worth of TV ads targeting the veteran Democratic lawmaker. The NRCC’s ads have highlighted Murtha’s recent remarks and his past controversial comments about soldiers serving in Iraq.

Murtha has taken in more than $600,000 in campaign checks after a week of appealing to supporters and his congressional colleagues for help

“When I ask for help, it is because I really need it,” Murtha wrote in his email message to MoveOn.org members. “It is urgent.”

Ken Spain, a spokesman for the NRCC, shrugged off Murtha’s last-minute surge in financial support.

"It certainly doesn't come as a surprise that the same fringe organization that questioned the patriotism of General David Petraeus is now working furiously at the 11th hour to defend a congressman that falsely called our troops cold blooded killers," said Spain.

Murtha is facing off on Tuesday against Republican William Russell, an Iraq war veteran.

Alex Isenstadt is a Politicker.com Reporter and can be reached via email at alex.isenstadt@politicker.com.

Comments

"Progressive?"


Who calls MoveOn.org a "progressive minded" organization? Since when is ignoring military and political success progressive? Since when is returning to the status quo progressive? Since when is turning over a fledgling democracy to Iranian Revolutionary Guards progressive? Alex Isenstadt's comments are embarrassingly ignorant. If the despicable Murtha loses, it will be no thanks to our lousy media, as weak in mind as they are in nerve.

11/03/08 7:51 pm

Murtha's Comments


I lost a brother in Vietnam. My mother still cries for him. Vietnam vets were not respected & honored as our present day troops are. All wars are hell & there is seldom a real victor. Rep. Murtha knows that, as do most fighting men & women. Having more die for an impossible victory makes no sense. Our troops in Iraq were sent without proper equipment & exposed to unnecessary danger. Rep. Murtha knew that & fought to change that. Sometimes the most supportive thing you can do for the troops is to speak against the policies & decisions of those in charge. I think we all know that Murtha has always supported the troops & this attack on him is spurious. I think his remarks were directed more toward the policy makers than the unfortunate young men who found themselves in such horrible conditions. I wonder how Bush, Cheney, & Rumsfeld sleep at night!

11/03/08 10:28 pm

Mathteacher: Doesn't add up


Mathteacher: You say you wonder how Bush, Cheney, & Rumsfeld sleep at night! Being decent people, I am sure the gravity of war has caused them restless nights. You should strive for some decency also. Give them and the majority of our troops the benefit of the doubt. Has the possibility that at least some of the troops believe in their mission completely escaped you?

11/04/08 2:21 am

Progressive???


MOVEON.ORG=GEORGE SOROS, look him up and then shudder how he hates America and gives millions of blood money to bring her to her knees!

11/04/08 2:27 am

Traitor Jack Murtha


Jack Murtha belongs in an orage jumpsuit crying for his mommy! I named him among the traitors in congress in an artical on my website www.truth2freedom.wordpress.com. see my artical "Traitors in Congress". I explain what artical of the constitution he violated and how. I hope he is unseated today

11/04/08 11:28 am

Traitor Jack Murtha


Jack Murhta Belongs in an orange jupsuit crying for his mommy. I have listed him among the traitors in congress on my website www.truth2freedom.wordpress.com see my artical "Traitors in Congress"

11/04/08 11:36 am

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