Murtha may lose support, GOP says (Johnstown Tribune)

http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_323235550.html

In 2002, when U.S. Rep John Murtha faced a strong political challenge after a bitter redistricting battle, local Republicans rallied behind the powerful Democrat.

Three years later, some wonder whether that would still happen – after Murtha’s high-profile call Thursday to pull all U.S. troops out of Iraq.

No one thinks the three-decade congressional veteran could lose next year’s election; he doesn’t even have announced opposition at this stage.

Still, Republican leaders claim Murtha’s support could erode among the conservative-leaning Democrats of the local electorate.

“Does this make him more vulnerable? Yes,” said Eileen Barbera Melvin of Somerset, who chairs the state Republican committee.

http://www.tribune-democrat.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_322002221.html

Murtha's stance on troops generally wins support at home

By COLLEEN FREYVOGEL
cfreyvogel@tribdem.com
Johnstown —
Rep. John “Jack” Murtha’s headline-grabbing stand against the war in Iraq found, for the most part, favor among his constituents, according to interviews conducted by The Tribune-Democrat.

Many in Murtha’s corner will argue that the liberation effort is over, yet no weapons of mass destruction have been found in Iraq. Surprisingly, veterans of the armed forces seemed – if anything – more likely to agree with the congressman than does the population at large.

Detractors fear that the work and sacrifices this nation has made in the sands of Iraq could be in vain if America pulls out immediately, an informal survey found.

It's only that Murtha is one of the only reps to have the guts to speak out loud what more and more Americans really think. I say he GAINS support!!!

Dream on you Repukes - hope this wakes up those in his district who vote for Murtha but also voted for the idiot son on guns and abortion!

As a veteran I am sick and tired of sissy chickenhawks like Hannity, Limbaugh, Cheney, Bush, Frist, Hastert or any of the rest slamming war heros and veterans. I wish they were the 0ones sitting in a hole instead of McCain or any of the dems and they would be singing a different tune. I really think their playbook is running dry.

these f*&%! idiots. I think that Murtha will gain more respect and more support. He is saying what a lot others are thinking but are afraid to say out loud.

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

would be great for all public offices.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Part of the Contract with America that helped the republicans win so big in 1996 had term limits written in.

http://www.digitas.harvard.edu/~salient/issues/941212/page4.html

Part of the problem with term limits is so much in DC has to do with seniority. Usually junior members do not get good assignments on committees and so forth. So, maybe you like the idea, but it'll never fly unless they completely changed the way government works. And fat chance of that ever happening.

"Term Limits" was a marketing idea brought to you by Newt and Co. They couldn't win elections on merits, so....change the rules. Of course, now that those Republicans are in, term limits are no longer a priority.

Term limits give more power to unelected bureaucrats in Congress and takes away my right to elect who I want to represent my interests. The better they do it, the longer they stay.

Given lifetime appoints on SCOTUS and the increasing consolidation of Executive powers, why do we want to diminish the role of Congress? If I'm the minority party beholden to corporate interests, I'm all for term limits. If I believe in democratic representation, term limts assaults my rights to choose whoever I think serves my interests best.



And welcome on-board, Susan43!

it better to have incumbents to win all the time, right? So much for being accountable to the people.

know goddamn well they've had a good scare and are trying hard to quiet the nervous reactions of the Barney Fife's.

they want to stay in Iraq for another 3 years to fight for the Glorious Leader and Freedom for Iraq to become a Theocratic Muslim State.

I don't believe Iraq will ever see a day of Democracy in my life time.

A republican losing in central PA is more than screwed.

"W" has already lost. Watch his compatriots scramble now.

This is actually fun to watch. Couldn't happen to a "nicer" fellow, either. This is GREAT.

Joe

Repug fantasyland. What planet are these people on?

and disagree with Bush. Also, Bush has a 36% approval rating in PA. The only people in trouble are those in marginal districts who are GOP.

Central PA is the only conservative part of the state.

Murtha is from south central PA, so to speak.

I thank God every day I was schooled in California - one of the only "normal" states in our US.

It is SO important to look at the geography now. Central PA - it is a road map to so many states.

The day central PA spoke - and God bless them - the GOP is out.

They spoke.

Seriously looking forward to 2006.

Joe for Clark

Born near Pittsburg, raised near State College with a lot of relatives near Philly.

PA speak up.

from DUer,blueneen, that says Jack Murtha's constituents "support him".