Published: November 03, 2006 01:02 pm         

Send Jack back to Congress

John Murtha expects the Democrats to win back control of the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

While we endorse the local congressman in his re-election bid, we fear the spending spree that might result from a shift in power, especially as President Bush attempts to carve out a positive legacy in the final two years of his second term.

Our endorsement of Murtha over Republican challenger Diana Irey is done for some reasons that might surprise our readers, and comes with some words of caution for the longtime lawmaker.

We support Murtha for his:

n Stance against continued U.S. military efforts in Iraq. We have not supported the war.

And we have agreed with his position that it is time to get our troops out of danger, and to cut back on the money we’re spending on the Iraq effort.

n Vote against renewal of the Patriot Act, a piece of legislation that tramples on the rights of this nation’s citizens.

His vote was one act aimed at preserving the sanctity of our Constitution.

n Message of improved health care, especially efforts to combat what he calls an “epidemic” of diabetes.

Murtha did predict that Bush would be willing to do some dealing during his final two years, especially if the House shifts from Republican to Democratic control. Quite simply, that means spending more money at a time when our federal debt is soaring out of sight.

We urge the congressman, if re-elected, to push for reduced rather than increased spending – even if it means some of the “pork” local folks have come to love is not available.

After all, why should we get excited about Murtha bringing our own money back to this area? We’d rather keep it and spend it as we see fit.

We would also urge Murtha to sit down with area veterans who clearly have different views on the Iraq conflict than he does.

We are frightened by Murtha’s willingness to align himself with California Democrat Nancy Pelosi. Clearly, Murtha is hoping that relationship paves the way for his ascension to a position of higher power in the House. But we don’t believe our region’s values match well with Pelosi’s, and we don’t see much good coming for the 12th district – even if the relationship benefits the congressman.

Beyond that, Murtha has endeared himself to liberals on both coasts – raising money for his allies in California, New England and elsewhere. We hope he can keep these “friends” and their spending ways in check if the Democrats retake the House.

We are somewhat impressed with Irey, who presents herself as a thoughtful and articulate candidate.

She has some ideas that we’re interested in, including reducing federal spending.

We have opposed closing the borders to immigration, something she supports.

In the end, we endorse Murtha for another go-round in Washington.

But we urge him to remain faithful to his fiscally and socially conservative western Pennsylvania roots – even if it costs him in personal gain and national influence.

     

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