Published: February 21, 2008 10:27 pm      

Murtha atop poll of pork-barrel spenders

John Murtha, the Democratic congressman from Johnstown, has topped another listing of pork-barrel spenders.

The Citizens Against Government Waste said Thursday that Murtha “won’’ an online poll in a landslide victory for 2007 Porker of the Year.

He received 63.4 percent of the vote.

Runner-up was U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, with 10.6 percent, followed by Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., with 9.9.

The nominees were taken from the 12 Porker of the Month winners for 2007.

Murtha has consistently defended the federal dollars he brings back to his district, saying the spending and jobs are making a difference in people’s lives.

He also says he’s just doing what he was elected to do.

In a release, the nonprofit recalled the May spat that broke out between Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., and Murtha over funding for the city’s National Drug Intelligence Center.

Murtha threatened to withhold earmarked money for Rogers’ district.

Citizens Against Government Waste bills itself as the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, abuse, fraud and mismanagement in government.