Murtha tells P-G western Pa. a 'racist area'

U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial writers Wednesday that western Pennsylvania is a "racist area."

"There's no question Western Pennsylvania is a racist area,"  Murtha told the paper. "The older population is more hesitant."

His remarks are similar to ones made by Gov. Ed Rendell (D) in February, when the governor said some conservative whites in Pennsylvania are probably "not ready to vote for an African-American candidate."

Murtha also told the paper many of his constituents in the 12th Congressional District have come around to supporting Obama, who he thinks will win Pennsylvania though not in a "runaway."

See also on PolitickerPA.com:

• Republicans seize on Murtha's remarks