Pennsylvania’s politicians reacted Monday to news that its longest-ever serving congressman, U.S. Rep. John Murtha, had died at 77. Governor Rendell urged all flags at the state to be lowered to half-staff.
Governor Ed Rendell:
“Pennsylvania has lost one of its greatest citizens,” Governor Rendell said. “Congressman Murtha impacted the entire state, not just his congressional district, in ways that almost no individual has. He did so much for so many of us throughout the commonwealth.
“He was also the best friend and supporter of our military and the men and women who risk their lives for our country. He worked tirelessly to ensure that our military had the resources it needed to do its job effectively and that our service men and women had every piece of equipment necessary to protect them. He had the courage and integrity to make sure the military was on the right track and he was not afraid to raise questions.
Senator Arlen Specter:
“I am deeply saddened to lose my dear friend and colleague Jack Murtha. He was a public servant in every sense of the word and his passing is a great loss to all of Pennsylvania. Joan and my thoughts are with his wife, Joyce, and their children.”
DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen:
“Congressman Murtha dedicated his life to serving the nation he loved. As a Marine who wore the uniform for 37 years, Congressman Murtha courageously fought in Vietnam. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Congressman Murtha worked to ensure that our men and women in uniform and their families had the support and resources they deserve.
“In 2005, Congressman Murtha inspired a new generation by taking up the fight to end the Iraq War. His leadership will be missed, but his place in history is secured as the first combat veteran of the Vietnam War elected to Congress. Three days ago on February 5th, 2010, he became the longest serving Member of Congress in the history of Pennsylvania.
U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski:
“Jack was a friend and colleague who I have looked up to throughout my time in Congress for his dedication to our country and our military troops, his strength to work in a bipartisan way, and his passion for his work and the Pennsylvanians he represented. Throughout his career in public service, Jack has been a symbol of the hardworking Pennsylvanians through the Commonwealth.
“While prone to criticism in Washington for his knack for securing federal funding for his Congressional district, that federal funding helped create thousands of jobs for Pennsylvanians and aided with needed economic development in his district. He was elected to help his district, which is exactly why we, as Members of Congress, are all elected. Jack was able to effectively balance the needs of his constituents with the needs of the country.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jack’s wife and family. This was a man who learned the lessons of service to country first as an Eagle Scout and then in service as a U.S. Marine. He continued that tradition as the longest serving U.S. Representative from the State of Pennsylvania. Sadly, I believe he approached that mark this week. He will be mourned and his expertise will be missed in the Commonwealth.”
Speaker of the House Keith McCall:
“There was no congressman in Washington who fought harder for the people than John Murtha, and his passing is a true loss to the Commonwealth and to the nation. His life was all about public service – from his time as a Marine to his exemplary record in Congress fighting for working people.
“John Murtha’s legacy will be one of courage, of dedication and of never forgetting that the most important people in Washington aren’t in Washington – they’re the people back home in Johnstown and the entire 12th District who counted on their Congressman to be their voice.
Senate Minority Leader Bob Mellow:
“John Murtha may have represented Western Pennsylvania, but he was the voice of hard-working Democrats across the Commonwealth. Representative Murtha’s service to his country and the strength of his convictions made him a powerful force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill. His career took him from Parris Island to Vietnam, from Harrisburg to Washington, D.C. He was a leader until the end, fighting for American values and middle class ideals.
He stood up for veterans and stood firm in his beliefs, not caring as much about political expediency as what he thought to be in the best interest of his constituents and his country.”
Republican Challenger Bill Russell:
“While Mr. Murtha and I were political combatants in every sense, our family and campaign team asks you to keep the Murtha family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Russell. “Regardless of your political position, you always knew Jack had an immense love and loyalty to his family and the residents of the12th Congressional District.”
Hazelton Mayor Lou Barletta:
“Congressman Jack Murtha was a hero for his nation on the battlefield and a tenacious advocate for his constituents in the halls of Congress. Pennsylvania has lost one of her sons but his legacy will live on for generations to come.”
Pennsylvania’s politicians reacted Monday to news that its longest-ever serving congressman, U.S. Rep. John Murtha, had died at 77. Governor Rendell urged all flags at the state to be lowered to half-staff.
Tags: John Murtha, John Murtha's death, special election 12th congressional district Pennsylvania
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