I was fortunate to have Mr Murtha at our factory facility this past August. My staff and I were proud to welcome him home to Mount Pleasant, PA, the town he called "home".

Congressman Murtha had a unique way of making you feel as if you were the most important person in the room. As he toured our factory, he spent individual time with those employees that were war veterans. He was a true patriot, statesmen and gentlemen.

His commanding presence and gentle ways will be missed but not forgotten.

Our condolences to the Murtha family.

Anne Degre

Thank you for the website celebrating Colonel Murtha's life and career. Please relate my condolences to Mrs. Murtha and her family for their loss.

Could you please make the citation of Colonel Murtha's Bronze Star available on the website. Even though The Bronze Star for Valor is not the highest award from the Marine Corps and the DoD it is still a significant award. It should be displayed for reading as part of the total body of his service.

Thank you,
Frank Bushman
U.S. Army (ret)

I loved to listen to Congressman Murtha speak! What a man!! Such a proud example of an American and a true HERO to those serving today (as my husband does).

He was a wonderful asset to the Congress and will be deeply miss! May GOD help his family through this time and may he Rest in Everlasting Eternal Peace!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

IT1(SW) Raymond E. Hake, USN
April L. Hake
and family

Mary Bell, Jack Murtha's great grandmother, told him, "We are put on this earth to make a difference". Little did she know that her words would inspire a man to become a 'leader of leaders.'

The name Jack Murtha was familiar to Presidents as far back as Gerald Ford, countless generals, world leaders, cabinet secretaries, congressional leaders, and most important-- to his constituents, his staff his friends, and his family. He often was described as gruff, but he loved to laugh, had a great Irish wit and treated his constituents and me with a kindness and generosity of spirit fit for a king. He used the power he gained over the years of his service not for personal gain, but to benefit the people of Pennsylvania and the men and women who serve our country.

His office was my first stop when I went to DC after I graduated from college. Later on, I would seek his assistance on behalf of the Governor, often when Congress had votes after 6 pm. Chairman Murtha would meet me in the Rayburn Room, which was adjacent to the House Floor. His question was not about who or which political party would get the credit, but rather how many jobs were affected. Time after time, he showed all of us who had the privilege to work with him that transparency and integrity trumped all.

His congressional district has encompassed several counties, but Mary Bell would be proud the millions of jobs her great grandson has saved or created in those counties as well as the remaining 67 in Pennsylvania. Jack Murtha’s goal was to help his district overcome whatever storm came its way whether it was a natural disaster or the recession, as well as to create hope, jobs and prosperity for his constituents. His legislative reach extended to relief for the manufacturing and extraction industries and their workers, to health care from cradle to grave as well as to maintain the
infrastructure and economic vitality of the health care system. I would be remiss not to mention his yeoman efforts on behalf of breast and prostate cancer as well as his indefatigable search for diabetes treatments because the 12th Congressional district has such a staggering incidence rate of diabetes.

There is insufficient space to do justice to the breadth of his efforts.
Suffice it to say it will be difficult to turn anywhere in the 12th Congressional District and not think of him. His reach across the state is too numerous to note. On one project alone he helped bring 1000 family sustaining jobs to a site that was formerly shuttered by the Navy. Jack Murtha was the quintessential Marine. He never forgot our citizen soldiers who were in harms way and fought with passion to never put them at risk for an inadequate national purpose or to never inadequately train and equip them. To Jack Murtha, anything less was a dereliction of duty. He had the same high standards and same fighting spirit when doing what right for citizens who were fortunate enough to be his constituents. Jack Murtha was a force of nature and woe to anyone or anything, in the coalfields or the battlefields that stood between him and him and what he believed to be his duty.

An old Irish toast goes something like this: ".. Lights bring quality to your life, and people are what bring the light to your life.”
Without Jack Murtha, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania would have been a very dark place and will be for a while. He was my mentor and my hero.

Becky Halkias

Former Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs, Homeland Security
Former Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor Ridge

Please share my condolences with Congrasman Murtha's daughter Donna. Donna lived next door to me during our freshman year at IUP. We have lost touch over the years, but I remember fondly meeting her Dad and hearing about her family during our time at college. My sincere sympaties to the entire family. Valerie

Words alone cannot say how great of a loss our country has endured with the passing of a great man such as Congressman Murtha. My deepest and sincerest condolences to the Murtha Family.

Mr. Murtha was a family friend and I was Proud to have worked for him. My Dad; helped Mr. Murtha on his first election effort. I was glad to help on other elections. I had the great opportunity to work for Mr. Murtha in his Washington office back in 1979. It was an Honor. I treasured every day I worked in His office.......I am Honored to be Associated with Jack Murtha.....I always will be!

I was shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Congressman Murtha. John Murtha has been part of our family speak for many decades. Back in the 1930's, the Murtha family lived next door to my mother's family. In the family album were pictures of "little Jackie Murtha". My mom being 11 years his senior would talk of the "happy times" living on the hill in Marguerite PA. She would join the Murtha family for their regular weekly barbeques and tells of going to Thanksgiving dinner in Peyton City, WV at the home of Jack's materal grandmother. The same values that Jack Murtha lived by are shared by those who knew hard times following the depression as people struggled to raise families. Jack never forgot my mother. Having moved back to PA in 1999, I felt honored by the connection to this great man and being one of his constituences I was always proud to display a Murtha sign in my front yard and a Murtha sticker on my car. I had the opportunity to meet Jack on many occasions and everytime he greeted me first with his big mitts followed by a big hug, and a warm smile and asked, "How's Vera" (my mom). This never changed. I would often write to him and tried to take the opportunity to thank him and congratulate him when he was honored or received an award. I volunteered and campaigned for him during his last reelection campaign. He instilled that kind of loyalty to those who admired him. Anything I could do. His passing is such a lose to me as he was part of my history and my mother's. He will never be replaced because they don't make them like Jack Murtha anymore. Our country has lost a great man, patriot, friend and I guess I was lucky enough to call him a friend. The entire Murtha family has my deepest sympathy. The depth of my saddness is minutia in comparision to the saddness felt by his family and closest friends. I drove from Latrobe during a snowstorm to pay my respects. Almost not making it up and over the mountains but I couldn't turn back because I had to pay my respects to Congressman Murtha. He meant that much to me and made that much of an impression in my life. There are few that I would have risked traveling for. I will miss him so much. May you find peace and comfort.

Congressman Murtha was a great leader for my area. He brought many jobs to the Johnstown area. And was always outspoken about the war in Iraq.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Congressman Murtha's wife, family, and all the staff he worked closely with over the years. May God bless you all during this time and always. Congressman Murtha was an unmatched patriot and statesman. I have witnessed his passion for doing everything he could to support our warfighters and to help people in all kinds of ways, not only in his district, but also throughout Pennsylvania and across the USA. He truly made a difference and his passion will carry on in all of those he touched. May he rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.

RIP Congress John Murtha you were a wonderful man..... you did a wonderful job in western pa and no one will compare to you! My deepest condolences are with your family during this very hard time......

Farewell Mr. Murtha, and Thank You! You were truly the greatest American to hail from Johnstown. Our hometown, the PA 12th, Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world are less luminous today as we say our final good byes. I appreciated being a small part of your cause. Condolences to Mrs Murtha and the Murtha family, friends, and staff.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Congressman John P. Murtha’s family, friends and staff. The diabetes community has lost a great advocate for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Congressman Murtha was determined to reverse the diabetes epidemic in civilian and military families. He will be sorely missed by all.

Respectfully,

Your friends at the University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute

Jack Murtha was not only a great American leader, but more importantly he was a great man. Our country has suffered a tremendous loss. Rest in peace Jack, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

I grieve the passing of a man who gave his time and his heart to not only the people of his represented congressional district; but to the United States of America. Rep. Murtha was progressive in his reforms for our area: reforms that benefited the entire country. Rep. Murtha used his military expertise to advise and support our military, at all levels. Rep. Murtha was a compassionate man. He gave his all to his constituents and our country. I will miss his trusted presence in our federal government; at a time when such trust seems to be lacking.

Deanna Haddle
222 Belmont St
Johnstown, PA 15904

Congressman Murtha will be deeply missed. I don't know how anyone could do for us what he has done over the course of his career. His work is visible everywhere around here and he was certain to get my vote each time. His opposition to the terrible mess in Iraq only made me respect him more. An excellent man who leaves a hard spot to fill. My condolences and support to Mrs. Murtha.

I attended Jack Murtha's wake today. Middle of a snowstorm... and still almost an hour and a half in the snake line. Tomorrow, the "big names" come out, including President Clinton and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but two days of hour-and-a-half, two-hour-long lines is testament to the really deep respect we had/have for Jack. He was a powerful guy who never forgot why. Thank you.

It was my honor and privilege to work on your behalf, sir.

Michael

“It is with profound sadness that I recognize the life and legacy of Congressman John Murtha. While Congressman Murtha recently earned the distinction of the longest-serving Congressman from Pennsylvania, this was only one of the many ways in which he dedicated his life to serving his nation. He was the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress and went on to become a true champion for western Pennsylvania.

“His leadership will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Joyce, and the rest of the Murtha family during this time.”

Deepest sympathies to family & friends & grateful for his legacy

John was a good man, me, my family and many friends owe him a lot for bringing and keeping jobs right here in my home area and looking out for the little guys and working people. He will be missed. I’m am grateful for his legacy and what he has done for my company Progeny Systems and Alta-Vista Business park.

Condolences to Mrs. Murtha and the Conressman's family. John Murtha was a champion of working families throughout his district and across this nation. As an Executive Board Member of the Johnstown Somerset Regional Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO I would like to say that we will long remember the Congressman and cherish his contributions to the enrichment of the lives of our members. His will be a hard act to follow! Go Bless!

I would like to send my condolences to the family of Rep. Murtha. I am the daughter of Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper and I was lucky enough to meet him on the House floor last summer. He was very kind and I know that my mom feels very lucky to have served time in Congress with him. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family in this sad time and also I pray for our country that more men and women will work, as he did, to make the United States a better place.

great men died to soon but leave a place in your heart for thier heart.

Death leave a heartache no one can heal but love leave a memory no one can steal.

You served your Country well.And south western Pa.is going to miss you very much.Our heart goes out to the family. You have our deepest sympathy.

Oh my, may God welcome you with open arms into His Kingdom. Every time I realize you have passed, this feeling of disbelief comes over me and I cannot believe I am never going to see those gentle blue eyes and that powerful grin walk toward me and say, "hey kid how are you doing" and have that gentle giant put his arm around me and tower over me that only he could do as graciously and respectfully all the while making me feel more special than anyone else could because he was Jack Murtha. I needn't tell anyone why. If you knew him then you understand. On the day Jack passed my husband met me at the door and said "you lost your big buddy from Johnstown today." I have lost my big buddy from Johnstown, but the country has truly lost a good man and the likes of a man you do NOT find the makings of anymore. My most heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Joyce and his family as well as all of his loyal and dedicated staff who loved him so. May God bless and keep you all.

I'm sorry for your loss of the most well known man, father, husband, and grandfather. May your family have peace and tranquilatity in the hours of their need. God you all.

I have served as the President of the Johnstown Branch of the NAACP for ten years. I have taken the opportunity to discuss diversity issues with Congressman Murtha and he stated that he was working on change. Change appeared to be his philosophy; he made an assessment of the community and supported a new wave of thinking, with diversified projects in defense and health care, serving all of the community. With his direct involvement, many jobs have been saved and other brought to the community.
On the personal note, I have been on the Board of Trustees of the Windber Medical Center for 25 years. As I reflect on the the history of this little community hospital, I saw it emerge, as the Congressman steered it to a renowned, competitive, research, hospital. We take great pride and ownership of the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center, as the highlight of the Windber Care Medical Campus, followed with the Windber Research Center. Congressman Murtha transcended the little hospital to a powerful force in the medical and research arena.
He also brought cancer research and care to our doorstep. My younger brother was diagnosed with throat cancer in Denver,Colorado, in January 2009. The physicians in Denver had given up on him and gave him a month to live. I transported him to Johnstown and under the care of physicians at UPMC Cancer Center - John P. Murtha Pavilion, his cancer was in remission in 4 months. I thank the Giant for bringing sophisticated cancer research and care to Johnstown.
Again on the personal note, Congressman Murtha, took time with the youth in the community. When my son graduated from Notre Dame and launched his own security company, Threatguard, Inc., the congressman offered him many kind words of encouragement, giving him a sense of pride that he could be successful.
As I say thank you to the Giant in our Community, Congressman John Murtha, my NAACP Family and the Hollis Family extends our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Murtha and family.
Johnstown is a better place, because Congressman John Murtha made Johnstown a better place.
Dr. Clea Patrick Hollis
President: Johnstown Branch NAACP
Windber Medical Center Board Member
Resident of Johnstown, PA

The William Kerr family of Apollo, Armstrong County, extends our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Joyce Murtha and her family upon the death of a loving and caring husband, decorated Marine veteran, and distinguished and respected member of the United States Congress, the Honorable John P. Murtha.

We first campaigned, as college students, for "Jack Murtha" in 1973 and participated in the Murtha Campaign Caravan that travelled throughout Armstrong County. It was a grand time and a great learning experience for all of us. Throughout the ensuing years, Congressman Murtha always gave special attention to Armstrong County and supported our economic development efforts and community needs. I last saw and talked to the congressman at the ARMTech Showcase in Armstrong County in August and he always fondly referred to me as "Billy." We will miss him greatly.

Respectfully,
Debbie and Bill Kerr

I WILL MISS MR. MURTHA! HE WAS A FAMILY FRIEND, AND MENTOR. I HAD THE PREVILEDGE OF SUPPORTING HIM FOR RE-ELECTION AND WITH THE HONOR OF HAving worked for him and his district. I learned alot with his staff in DC and the Congressional associates I met. I never got tired of getting "Recruited" by the Pentagon officials who visited Mr. Murtha. I came to work early, but The Congressman was ALWAYS there BEFORE me. Mr. Murtha, ALWAYS bought breakfast....I just had to go down to the House cafeteria and pick it up. He had lunch for the Interns in the House Dining Room.....He joined us ....and So did Andrew Young....Mayor of Atlanta and United Nations Ambassador. The Nation and Miltary, have lost a Great Resource.......and Supporter. I hope Someone can step forward to TRY and replace his Leadership.

My thought and prayers go out to the family. We all have lost a great man.

John Murtha did so much during his tenure as U.S. Representative. He helped my area so much, and he will be greatly missed by everyone. He gave a straight forward approach to the position of representative. He wasn't afraid of other people's criticism. He did his job as the he felt the people would approve of, and he did a good job of doing just that. Thank you so much John P. Murtha, Rest in Peace. You will be missed.

We sure are going to miss this big man,he was wonderful!!!

My deepest sympathy goes out to Mrs. Murtha and her family. Congressman Murtha was truly one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure to meet and volunteer for. He always treated my grandma Ruth with the utmost respect. He will be sadly missed, and should definitely be remembered for all of the achievements he has accomplished. It was definitely a sad day in his District when this devastating news was released. Rest In Peace Congressman Murtha.

You will truly be missed. I am proud to know we had a great man in our area like John Murtha. Thank you and God Bless your family at this time.

In many ways, Jack Murtha was Pennsylvania's Congressman.His reach and support of people and projects he cared about were not limited to the geography of his district. His counsel and assistance to me as congressman and governor were valued and significant. As a veteran, I admired his passionate and untiring commitment to the men and women in our military. He was my friend and I will miss him. May he rest in peace having given the full measure of his life's service to the country and people he loved.

Although I a Republican, I am sorry to see one of the Great Politicians of our time pass. Although I cannot agree with his positions, I respect him and his service to the Country as a Marine. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jared Fontaine

As a Republican (In Name Only, today), I salute the memory of Jack Murtha, one of the most effective congressmen of my lifetime and a solid voice for people over privilege, honor over sleaze, and effective government over partisan one-upmanship.

John McCain campaigned under the banner of "Country First." Jack Murtha lived it.

Thsnk You for all you have done for those of us suffering from Ovarian cancer. You were one of our greatest supporters and we will
be eternally grateful for all your hard work on our behalf.
Rest in Peace.You will be missed.

Along with many, I mourn the loss of John Murtha. He stood up for so many of us who felt disenfranchised from 2000-2008.
He has won my undying appreciation for his support of Ovarian Cancer Research.
He will be missed.

I will always remember Mr. Murtha for his committment to the truths and for speaking up when all others did not...

Congressman Murtha was a great friend of mine and one of the most stalwart defenders of the 2nd Amendment. He was a proud Life Member of the NRA, and the NRA was so fortunate to have such a tried and true defender. He we be missed greatly.

I was fortunate enough to meet Congressman Murtha and his wife Joyce this past summer. I got this opportunity through an internship I had at his Johnstown office. Not only am I gracious to he and his staff for that experience, but I am also consider myself very lucky to get to meet the man that represented my hometown for my entire life. Both he and his wife were incredibly kind and a joy to be around. His political accomplishments were also without a doubt a great benefit to our community. I am deeply saddened by the lose of a great man and community member. I wish to send out my condolences to the entire Murtha family and the staff that worked so hard with him to make our little spot in Western Pennsylvania a better place.

I do not think my story is unique. There are countless lives that he touched as a son, a Marine, a stranger, a father, a mentor, a Member of Congress, a husband and a friend. The American people have read the stories, watched the press conferences and listened to his critics and supporters alike. That is our system, one in which I love, but one which never displays the full picture of who someone truly is and the lives they touch.

These are Murtha moments from just one life which he touched.

- A gentle giant with watchful blue eyes and a smile that was contagious as he would slap my cheek twice and give me a “how you doing kid?”
- The quite respect he commanded simply by entering a room
- Never treating me as staff but rather always as a friend
- Visiting with him our brave men and women at Walter Reed whose courage, hope and optimism would amaze the staunchest war critic
- His father like skepticism of any man I even thought about dating
- The way he always appeared to be holding court in the back of the house chamber
- His concern when I was diagnosed with MS and without even having a conversation, quietly making sure I was able to see the top doctor on the East Coast
- Witnessing him receive the profile in courage award
- His unwavering loyalty and concern for me, even when I was no longer in a position to help him in return
- Being seated at his table during the Boston Convention where h e made sure I was the first to meet Teresa Heinz Kerry
- The way you could literally see his mind working to devise a plan of attack to accomplish something once presented to him
- The quite yet methodical way he could bring sides together and find compromise.
- Watching a man who preferred being behind the scenes stand up with fierce passion when he had something to say
- The twinkle in his eye as he would accept my offer for chocolate biscotti with his coffee, as if it had never entered his mind

As is so often the case in life, it was not until after he became so sick that I was able to put my finger on exactly why he was so special to me. One would think that the moments which I will always treasure above would be the obvious answer but it wasn’t. The man who instilled in me a deep love of country, a quite gentleness to your fellow man, a passion to live life to the fullest and the closest thing I ever had to a father died when I was twelve. Now I would have never admitted this to Mr. Murtha, mostly for his sake I suppose, but my times with him were the closest I ever came to having my grandfather back. A part of him was with me and alive when I was with Mr. Murtha.

I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn and we are leant to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return. I know that is true because a part of me has been rewritten for the better because Mr. Murtha was my friend.

Again I know this story is not unique, there will be countless others, but just as Mr. Murtha was to me this story is special.

I gained great respect for Congressman Murtha when he spoke out against the war. He stood up for what was right and just. I am sorry he left this earth all to soon. Thank you for all you did to make Pennsylvania and the United States a better place.

I first met Congressman Murtha when he was campaigning door to door in the Village of Robinson. He asked me if I would go with hime and introduce him to the residents. He impressed me as a very hard worker and quite a "Gentlemen". Later in so many campaigns at a Breakfast at Deans Restaurant in Indiana, PA he had a picture taken of me with him and then he sent me a copy of that photo and after so many years, it is definetly at treasure. Jack Murtha was and always will be admired for his hard work and the way he always conducted himself as a True Gentlemen. Always appreciated the Christmas Card every year from Jack and Joyce. That was usually always the first card I received every year. Thank you Joyce. I will always remember and honor your husband for the "GREAT Work" he has done for our area, even when he did not represent our area, you could call him and he would get you an answer to your question. His office did a lot of work for our community after th 77 flood. Again Thanks and May God Bless you and your family in this time of your loss.

My late father, Skip Tate, loved and admired Congressman Murtha. I am the youngest of his seven children, and I wish to extend the condolences for my family to Mrs. Murtha and to the Murtha family. Years before she passed, my mother, Barbara, gave me a pin. It is one of my most prized possessions. It is a rhinestone Democrat donkey, which was given to her by Mrs. Murtha. Included with it is a note stating that the pin was first given by Fishbait Miller, doorkeeper to the house of representatives for many years. I am so proud to have this pin. Every time I wear it, I think of my parents, and of Congressman and Mrs. Murtha. They are old school, from another time, a better time, and thinking of them and what they stood for, reminds me why I am a democrat.

When John Murtha spoke out about the need to bring our troops home,he started a movement! The Iraq war was discussed differently and a time frame to bring the troops home from Iraq was finally made. That was John Murtha's most significant contribution to our society. I said "hooray for you to speak up and say what many of us felt". Thank you John Murtha for your devotion and contribution to your country.

The Federation of Democratic Women in Indiana County is grateful to Congressman Murtha for his long standing dedication to the people of western Pennsylvania, and for his service to our country. We send our condolences to his family.

It was an honor to have worked for Mr Murtha on his final re-election campaign. It will go down as one of the experiences in my life that I am most proud of. He was a great public servant who truly put his consituents, our servicemen and women, veterans, and the American people above his own person and for that I and our contry should be grateful. You will be missed sir.

I remember meeting a tall dark haired, fairly new Congressman when Johnstown was devastated by the flood of July 19, 1977. I was a newscaster at WTAJ TV in Altoona. We had begun to send in donated releif supplys to the stricken Johnstown area. The swath of destruction and the wrath of devistation were more than I had ever seen to that date. Cars and trucks in trees some with bodies inside. Businesses gone that would never return and there was Tanneryville...gone entirely. Mayor Herb Pfuhl ordered police to shoot to kill looters. And then there was this fairly new Congressman in his second term. He had developed more power than most..because he was Jack Murtha. Speaker Tip O'Neill took a bigtime liking to this Irish-American Marine who came from a long line of military involvment. He put him on the Appropriations Committee from which Murtha could and would help rebuild Johnstown from a flood and later from the devistation of the dozens of plant shutdowns that in the 1980's had Johnstown recognized as the city with the highest unemployment in the Country.
After the flood recovery, some Johnstown residents and leaders wanted to build a statue to Jack in Central Park. Jack nixed the idea. I always told him it was only because he didn't want to see pidgeons make deposits on his head while he was still alive.
Back in the Nation's Capital, Murtha, the Marine, became a Cardinal. He was one of the 13 Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman and his subcommittee was Defense.
What else?
He brought dozens of companies with defense interests to Johnstown or to other parts of his sprawling district. Reporters chattered and scribes scrawled, foul! But Jack Murtha continued unapologetically to bring business and jobs and Commerce to his District..to the people who decided every two years to "stick with Jack".
In 1992 after 24 years as a journalist and after watching scores of plants shutdown. I thought about running for Congress. I had covered these Congressman and to be blunt, the water wasn't that deep in some instances. So I made two calls. The first to the Democratic Chairman from Westmoreland County, Dante Bertani, to see who else was running in my district. The second to Jack Murtha. I explained to Jack that this was a personal call. It had nothing to do with KDKA-TV, where I was employed. I explained that Jack was my current Congressman and I would never run against him. I went on to tell him that if I understood it correctly, my new Congressman would be Joe Kolter and I didn't feel the same way about him.
After a long silence in what was typical Jack Murtha, he said, "I would never speak against any Congressman from Pennsylvania most certainly not a fellow Democrat but having said that we do have some God Damned dead wood in the delegation. "If I were you I would toss my hat in the ring and see what happens".
From that moment on Jack was my mentor, my confidante and my friend. He took me under his larger than life wing when I got to DC. Knowing I could not get the support to get on Energy and Commerce my first term, Jack got Speaker Foley as well as the Pennsylvania Democrats to endorse me to be the Regional Representative for the Steering and Policy Committee. That is the Committee that gives out the Committee assignments. There, under Jack's tutelage, I grew in knowledge, skill and as the pocessor of political chits, for the wheeling and dealing I was able to do to get various Members on the Committees of their choice. One day Jack told me that as the Steering and Policy Representative for Pennyslvania and Ohio, it was my job to get Congressman James Traficant on the Ways and Means Committee.
A personal aside; as a reporter at KDKA-TV, I had covered Traficant's trial when as a sheriff, the Feds accused him of taking payoffs from the mob in Youngstown, Ohio. Trafficant beat the feds, famously asting as his own attorney but the IRS was garnishing his Congressional salary. Now Murtha and Chairman Louis Stokes of Cleveland wanted me, a new memeber not even sworn in yet, to talk to Chairman Danny Rostenkowski about getting Trafficant on the Committe that set tax policy for the federal government.
Well I gave it my best shot, telling Rostenkowski that we had a great member for his committee. I built up his credentials as much as possible without saying his name. Finally Rosty said, "Ron, who is this Member you are nominiating?"
"Jim Trafficant, from Ohio", I said.
With that Rosty leaned over about six inches from my nose and yelled, "NO!"
I thanked him and as I turned around, there was Murtha, laughing his ass off.
He just wanted to see if the new kid would rush up the hill when it was required by the "team". And we were Murtha's team. No questions.
A quick aside. A year of so later Murtha calls me to the "Pennsylvania Corner", where the team sits during every vote or debate to ask me to take on another task. This time it is Rostenkowski who needs help. Before his impending indictment the Democrats want to pass a Bill to name a Chicago Federal Building after him. After all Rosty put all the money in to build the building.
I tell Murtha I'll vote for the measure. He says, " I don't just want your vote. I need you to help me get this through subcommittee and committee." I explain that that is the Public Works Committee and I am not on that Committee. Murtha says, "I know." But Traficant is the subcommittee chairman and he's your friend. You ask him. See what you can do."
I walked across where Traficant was sitting on the Republican side of the floor talking to Mike Bilarakis. He saw me coming and with a big grin says, "hey there Chairman, did Murtha send you over here?
"Yes", I said.
"Well what every YOU want, the answer is yes."
I thanked him and explained the need to get the bill through his subcommittee naming the Federal Building in Chicago after Rostenkowski.
Traficant paused and said, "You tell Murtha I'd be happy to do that but there is one condition."
"What's that?" I asked.
I'll do it six month after that M------ F----- dies!"
With that I reurned to the Pennsylvania corner with both good and bad news.
One other quick story. Murtha assured me that even after we lost control of Congress in 1994, that I would be able to get on Energy and Commerce.
Bob Borski took over the Steering and Policy slot from me. When it came time for the nomination, Borski called in a near panic. "Where's Murtha?"
I told him I didn't know and asked if he was apparenly not in the Steering a Policy meeting.
Borski said no and ask me to give him some background so he can nominate me and give a good speech about my qualifacations. We stuck our heads together and came up with a decent presentation for Borski to make if Murtha didn't show.
At the last second, Murtha comes through the door of the committee room and Borski says, " it's time to nominate Ron Klink to Energy and Commerce."
Murtha looks accross the room and says, "Klink."
That's it. That was his speech.
Borski said, Jack, didn't you want to say anything about Ron?"
Murtha said, "When you have the God Damned votes you don't have to give a speech." "All these guys on the floor giving flowery speeches, it's cause they dont have the God Damned votes!"
Like many of us, Jack was a little sinner and a little saint but bigger than life and I will miss him
Ron Klink
U.S. Congress (1993-2001)