Republicans seize on Murtha's remarks
By Alex Roarty, PolitickerPA.com ReporterU.S. Rep. John Murtha's (D-Johnstown) comments Wednesday that western Pennsylvania is a "racist area" drew swift criticism from his re-election opponent, Republican Bill Russell.
Murtha's own 12th Congressional District lies in western Pennsylvania, a fact Russell seized on.
"Once again, Mr. Murtha is using the prestige and platform of his public office to make wild, reckless statement about the people he represents in Congress," Russell said in a statement, adding that it was the "cheapest of cheap shots."
The "once again" Russell mentioned refers to the impetus of his campaign, when Murtha said 12 marines in Iraq killed women and children in cold blood. The 17-term incumbent's remarks helped draw Russell, who was on active duty in the marines until July, to run against Murtha.
Murtha has used those comments to run a campaign portraying Murtha as a traitor to U.S. troops and out of touch with the district's values. Although still considered a long-shot, Russell's campaign has received national attention from some conservative commentators, which has helped the first-time candidate raise a considerable amount of money.
Murtha's remarks were also criticized by the campaign for Republican Presidential nominee John McCain.
"Today John Murtha attacked the people of Pennsylvania -- his own constituents -- as racist, explaining their resistance to Barack Obama's candidacy as a product of racism," said state Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County), who is also the McCain-Palin western regional co-chair. "The people of Pennsylvania are concerned with Barack Obama's plans to raise taxes, his disdain for gun-owners, and his extreme liberal policies -- not the color of his skin."
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Russell's criticism of Murtha
Russell should look at the video of dozens of racists from Johnstown headed into the McCain-Palin rally. That should not be a proud moment for anyone. Those who can't acknowledge and make right true weaknesses shouldn't govern. What happened in Johnstown and elsewhere was inexcusable, except by people like Russell.
This John Murtha guy is a
This John Murtha guy is a riot. It is refreshing to see a guy who so willing to honestly speak the truth as he see's it instead of conforming to the Republican view of morals... You know wrecking a country and constantly breaking the law.
Murtha is friggin nut
Murtha lost his marbles...Go Russell
I demand a public Apology and have encouraged my community to call Murtha's office too.
I am sick of being called a racist because i dont agree with Obama's policies.
I dont want a welfare state. If that makes me a racist then go for it.
Murtha is stupid for saying that.
Well I guess Murtha is
Well I guess Murtha is saying his own voters are racists too? I would never dare call good people of Western PA who cling to religion and guns racists but perhaps idiots if they keep on voting for Murtha!
psychological racist war
The Democrats manage psychological racist war against John Mccain. They try to play on the strings of the fear of the Whites to be called racist. Be wise, don’t fell to this trap.
Murtha
Murtha needs to retire. His focus is on drawing attention to himself, anyway possible, than representing his district. Why he is reelected year after year only his voters can explain. The majority of Pennsylvanians love their state, work, take care of families, pay taxes and mainly give our politicians too much power and excessive lifestyles. Murtha's racism statements hopefully will awaken a response from Pennsylvanians to finally rid ourselves of him and many other money, power happy politians in our otherwise beautiful state.
When are people going to see the left for what they are?
The hypocrisy of the the left is astounding. Do you know how many minorities live in Western PA? Do you realize Pittsburgh is part of western PA? Why is racism or sexism raised every time a Democrat runs for office? Why? Because it deflects attention and lets them keep from answering the tough questions. Look at the comments on here: liberals are some the most hateful, close-minded people, especially to others that don't think like them. Ever see how minorites are treated that don't side with the Democrat platform? Sell out, Uncle Tom, etc. Just look at how you people treated Hillary. You are the ones that continually fan the flames of hate. Without it, you wouldn't be able to exploit people's emotions.
My Fellow Pennsylvanians
I think that everyone here needs to step back and take a hard look at things. Times are tough for us all, but you need to keep something in mind. The federal government is not responsible for what goes on in your everyday lives, your communities, or your job. Most of that is handled at the state level, and who runs the state? That is who your gripe should be with. Making sure that local officials are looking out for you is what will make the biggest change in your life.
You are what you say others are
Psychologically, generally you believe what you say otehrs must believe. If Murtha says others are racist, its likely he is instead.
Russell
is ethically challenged. He is being investigated by the Reserve HQ in Georgia for using his Pentagon office and equipment to campaign against Congressman Murtha. Now I am hearing rumors of even more serious ethical violations involving a military charity. Yet, he is first in line to attack Murtha for a comment on race as he sees it. Typical
Russell vs Murtha
From way out here in Washington state, I sent Russell $25 after I read about him. Yesterday, I sent another $50 after hearing Murtha call his constituents "racists"
Go Russell!
Murtha
You throw out vague insinuations and accusations without any substantiating facts. Not convincing. Probably Democrats attacking a strong adversary in their usual weasely way.
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