No one can say that John Murtha (D) Pa. doesn't look after his own. The latest revelation of packing of the pork was brought to light from The Washington Post involving his nephew Robert Murtha and the defense contracts awarded (worth millions) to "Murtech". No surprise considering Murtha's history of earmarks, and that it so happens he is Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations defense subcommittee. Apparently, this has paid off for Murtha family members.
The issue for taxpayers are several. Until very recently, most states got the majority of their revenue from sales tax, but that changed with the Stimulus plan. Yet, Murtha has a long history of hogging federal money for huge projects, and it is a legitimate question to ask Murtha if the taxpayers are getting the best use of their dollar by awarding defense contracts to family members.
AP Photo
Mutha's pork barrel earmarks have been covered extensively especially the funding of millions of taxpayer dollars to John Murtha Airport, and Murtha's supposed involvement of the FBI investigation of the lobbyist organization known as PMA.
Fox News quoted The Times as reporting another Murtha instance of federal tax dollars geared to his cousin: "The Times said the situation doesn't appear to violate any rules or ethics guidelines, but noted other Murtha family members have also benefited from the congressman's position. He reportedly earmarked millions of dollars to an institution in his district, St. Vincent College, while his cousin, the Rev. John F. Murtha, was its president." end quote~
What is interesting is how Robert Murtha,Jr. pointed out to WAPO that he has had to put up with "criticism all his life" because of having the last name of Murtha. All his life? Robert Murtha is 49 yrs. old! Could this be a good argument for term-limits?
