Murtha defends higher profile

By SHAWN PIATEK
The Tribune-Democrat

EBENSBURG June 13, 2006 12:03 am

— For 31 years, U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, did much of his work behind the scenes, well away from the bright lights of the national media.
In November, Murtha’s relationship to the limelight changed dramatically when he began speaking out against President Bush’s policies regarding the war in Iraq. Since then, Murtha has been a frequent guest on national news programs and a fixture in the media.
On Friday, it appeared Murtha fully embraced the spotlight when he announced his intentions to run for House majority leader should the Democrats carry the House in the November election.
Immediately, speculation began to arise about whether Murtha’s recent foray into the spotlight was a calculated strategy aimed at improving his political standing. While attending the official opening of Gamesa Inc.’s Fiberblade plant in Cambria Township on Monday, Murtha dismissed the critical speculation as being off target.
Murtha said he stepped up his role as a vocal leader because that is what the situation dictated.
“I decided I needed to step up because a lot of Democrats were sitting on the fence regarding the war,” Murtha said. “We needed to show the country that something had to be done. We needed to show the country that there are two positions on this issue: President Bush’s and mine.”
Friday’s announcement, Murtha said, was more in tune with showing Americans that if they vote for change in November, change will occur.
“I’d like to have stayed right where I am,” Murtha said. “But so much on the national level right now is related to defense that it is a logical step. And what we have to do now is show the public that there will be change.”
Murtha said announcing his intentions to run for House majority leader was a difficult one. He said he enjoys his current position of ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.
Murtha endured more criticism from weekend political television shows accusing him of making premature statement regarding future election results. But Murtha said it is time for strong forward-looking statements.
“We have to win the House back,” Murtha said. “That’s the first thing. And we have to be bold. The Republicans have simply made too many mistakes.”

Shawn Piatek can be reached at 532-5061 or spiatek@tribdem.com.