PittsburghAfterDark
06-12-2006, 06:19 PM
Amidst Shockwaves, Murtha Returns To Washington
Congressman John Murtha will return to Washington on Monday, where he will most likely feel the tremors of a political earthquake he set off last week.
Murtha has announced he'll run for House Majority Leader, the second most powerful position in the U.S. House.
Members of both parties expressed surprise that the 32-year veteran of the U.S. House chose to make the announcement, and a two sentence letter from Murtha caused shockwaves.
Murtha, now calling for the immediate redeployment of American troops from Iraq, told his fellow Democrats, "If we prevail as I hope and know we will and return to the majority this next Congress, I've decided to run for the open seat of majority leader."
The position would move the Johnstown congressman from his small office in the cavernous Rayburn Building into the House's number two position.
Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institute said, "It's a powerful position - a very powerful position and not at all a sure bet for Mr. Murtha."
The congressman has become a divisive figure because of his stance on the war. Murtha has previously said, "It's time to set a scheduled for a withdrawal of American forces."
Democrats aren't commenting, and analysts say Democrats don't want to offend Maryland's Steny Hoyer, who was believed to be in line to become majority leader.
Republican Dennis Hastert's spokesman said, "This is fantastic news for the Democrats' imaginary land of a make-believe majority. We hope it captures their attention for awhile."
Analysts say a power play by such a prominent man should capture attention.
"When a man of his record - a distinguished Marine - comes out against a war in which Americans and Marines are engaged, you take note," Hess said.
When asked why Murtha made the announcement now, a spokeswoman said the letter speaks for itself.
Political experts and columnists throughout Washington are doing something rare: They're admitting they don't know why either.
-Scott MacFarlane, Washington Correspondent
Link (http://www.wjactv.com/news/9357961/detail.html)
Congressman John Murtha will return to Washington on Monday, where he will most likely feel the tremors of a political earthquake he set off last week.
Murtha has announced he'll run for House Majority Leader, the second most powerful position in the U.S. House.
Members of both parties expressed surprise that the 32-year veteran of the U.S. House chose to make the announcement, and a two sentence letter from Murtha caused shockwaves.
Murtha, now calling for the immediate redeployment of American troops from Iraq, told his fellow Democrats, "If we prevail as I hope and know we will and return to the majority this next Congress, I've decided to run for the open seat of majority leader."
The position would move the Johnstown congressman from his small office in the cavernous Rayburn Building into the House's number two position.
Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institute said, "It's a powerful position - a very powerful position and not at all a sure bet for Mr. Murtha."
The congressman has become a divisive figure because of his stance on the war. Murtha has previously said, "It's time to set a scheduled for a withdrawal of American forces."
Democrats aren't commenting, and analysts say Democrats don't want to offend Maryland's Steny Hoyer, who was believed to be in line to become majority leader.
Republican Dennis Hastert's spokesman said, "This is fantastic news for the Democrats' imaginary land of a make-believe majority. We hope it captures their attention for awhile."
Analysts say a power play by such a prominent man should capture attention.
"When a man of his record - a distinguished Marine - comes out against a war in which Americans and Marines are engaged, you take note," Hess said.
When asked why Murtha made the announcement now, a spokeswoman said the letter speaks for itself.
Political experts and columnists throughout Washington are doing something rare: They're admitting they don't know why either.
-Scott MacFarlane, Washington Correspondent
Link (http://www.wjactv.com/news/9357961/detail.html)