John Murtha

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John Murtha : biography

17 June 1932 – 08 February 2010

2008 Presidential Election

After having endorsed Hillary Clinton, commenting on the prospects for the election of Barack Obama during the 2008 Presidential campaign, Murtha became the subject of controversy after deriding many of his own constituents as "racists" who would not vote for Obama because he is black. In response to the outrage at his comments, he apologized but then reiterated the point by saying, "[T]here’s still folks that have a problem voting for someone because they are black. This whole area, years ago, was really redneck."

Death and legacy

Murtha was first hospitalized with gallbladder problems for a few days in December 2009 and had surgery on January 28, 2010, at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Longtime friend and fellow Pennsylvania Democratic Representative Bob Brady said Murtha’s large intestine was damaged during the normally routine laparoscopic surgery, causing an infection.Landau, Elizabeth. ". (February 10, 2010) CNN. Retrieved February 11, 2010.Hefling, Kimberly. ". (February 8, 2010) The Washington Post. Retrieved February 11, 2010. Due to the complication, Murtha was again hospitalized two days later, and died on the afternoon of February 8, 2010, in the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia, with his family by his side.Associated Press. "Lawmaker’s sudden death a reminder of surgery risks." (February 11, 2010) Tri-City Herald. page D2.Neergaard, Lauran. "". (February 9, 2010) Associated Press. Retrieved February 11, 2010. He was buried on February 16, 2010, at Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.Malloy, Daniel. "". (February 9, 2010) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved February 11, 2010.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said in a statement on the day of his death, "With the passing of John Murtha, America has lost a great patriot." House Republican Leader John Boehner said, "Our nation has lost a decorated veteran.""". (February 8, 2010) Politico. Retrieved February 11, 2010.Schouten, Fredreka. "." (February 8, 2010) USA TODAY. Retrieved February 11, 2010.

On April 9, 2010, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus signed an official memo to the Chief of Naval Operations, designating the naming of an Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD), a type of naval warship, as the John P. Murtha (LPD 26). The Navy Times said the official announcement "added fuel to an already smoldering backlash online.""Controversy flares over ship named for Murtha" by Philip Ewing, NavyTimes.com, April 28, 2010,

In October 2011, it was revealed that the FBI had investigated Murtha for possible ethics violations. October 25, 2011

A special election was held to fill the seat left vacant by the late congressman, taking place on May 18 to coincide with that state’s primaries for Senate and Governor. The Democratic candidate, Mark Critz, defeated Republican candidate Tim Burns to win Murtha’s seat.