2008 Endorsements

• Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Political Action Committee - "This letter is official notification that the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) Board of Directors has endorsed you for re-election to the United States House of Representatives.  In addition to comments received from VFW leaders in your state, this endorsement is based on your strong support for veterans, national security/defense, and military personnel issues."

• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees - AFL-CIO - "This letter is the confirmation that you have received the endorsement of Council 83, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, (AFSCME, AFL-CIO), in the upcoming Election."

• United Steel Workers District 10 - "The United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO District 10 are proudly endorsing the following Candidate for the November 4, 2008 General Election: Congress 9th Congressional District - John P. Murtha."

• United Mine Workers of America - "With this endorsement, we bestow upon you our trust, that you will consider the needs of all working men and women... Working together, we can make life better for working families!"

• National Rifle Association - "Based on your congressional record and responses to our 2008 federal candidate questionnaire, you have earned an "A" rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF.  We urge our members and other gun owners and sportsmen in the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania to vote for you on November 4th."

• American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO - "The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is proud to endorse Congressman John Murtha for re-election in the twelfth Congressional District of Pennsylvania. In these difficult times, working families in the twelfth Congressional District need a champion...We have such a champion in Congressman John Murtha."

• VoteVets.org - "When the chips are down, time and time again, John Murtha has been there for us.  He recognizes that under this administration, care for veterans has suffered greatly, and has worked in Congress to help veterans get the funding we need.  As a Marine, Congressman Murtha is one of us, and hasn't forgotten us.  We need Congressman Murtha to stay right where he is- in the halls of Congress."

• Democrats for Life of America, Inc - "Democrats for Life of America is very proud to endorse your candidacy for re-election. Your past voting record makes it abundantly clear that you are dedicated to promoting the critically important pro-life values that our organization."

• Service Employees International Union - "Your history of supporting issues important to Pennsylvania's working families and your leadership in Congress have earned our respect and support."

• Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters - "The Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters is pleased to inform you that we have unanimously endorsed your candidacy for Congressman in the 12th District in the 2008 General Election at our September 7, 2008 Executive Board Meeting.  As a dedicated family man yourself, you truly understand the problems facing American families in today's society."

• Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association - "It is with great honor that the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association has chosen to endorse you for reelection.  There is a reflection of the support you have shown for Firefighters during your tenure in Congress."

• Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge - "You have always been an active supporter of the law enforcement community, the officers, and their families.  Once again, we are proud to present you with our full support for public office. Please accept our sincerest appreciation for all your hard work and best of luck with your campaign."

• The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) - "You have shown your support for us, and we in turn support you in your election effort. We have sent a letter to all NTEU members in your area, urging them to vote for you on Election Day.  We believe that your victory on November 4 will result in a better understanding of the important contributions federal employees make..."

• National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) - "Representative John Murtha is a powerful advocate for Pennsylvania and America's community pharmacies and the patients they serve.  That is why the National Community Pharmacists Association strongly endorses him for re-election to Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District."

• UFCW Local 1776 - "our endorsement recognizes your commitment to policies that benefit working families, please feel free to use this endorsement in your literature or any other way you set fit."

• Humane Society Legislative Fund - "We are grateful for your support of humane issues, and for your work to create a more humane society. The Humane Society Legislative Fund looks forward to working with you in the 111th Congress to promote more humane treatment of animals."

• Alliance for Retired Americans -  "Your positions demonstrate a strong commitment to improve the quality of life for older Americans.  Your leadership on issues such as fighting Social Security privatization and strengthening the Social Security and Medicare systems exhibits that commitment.  In addition, our members can support your candidacy because of your belief in the need to provide more affordable health care for older Americans, to create a Medicare drug program that benefits seniors, not insurance and drug companies, as well as the need for stronger retirement and pension security, and quality long term and nursing home care."

• National Farmers Union Political Action Committee - "NATFARMPAC seeks to support candidates for federal office who are committed to ensuring that the public policy needs of family farmers, ranchers and the communities in which they live are addressed. You have demonstrated that commitment, and we thank you." 

• REA Energy Cooperative Inc. - "In addition to the support you receive from ACRE, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association (PREA), REA deeply appreciates your efforts on behalf of our local members as you strive to improve the quality of rural life."

• Pennsylvania Action Committee for Rural Electrification - "On behalf of the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE), we are pleased to endorse your candidacy for re-election in 2008.  This endorsement represents the support of electric cooperative leaders in Pennsylvania."   

• Pennsylvania AFL-CIO - "This endorsement is extended to you in recognition of your support of Labor issues.  Again, congratulations on Labor's endorsement!  On to victory!"

• Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers - "This endorsement, recommended by the PFT Political Action Committee and approved by the PFT Executive Board, constitutes the full support of the 3800-member Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers."

• Pittsburgh Area Retiree Workers of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO - "Use your vote as if your life depends on it - because it does! Vote early. This is our opportunity to determine who the candidates will be in the General Election this November."

• Former Mayor Donato B. Zucco, Ph.D - "You may agree or disagree with the positions he [Congressman Murtha] has taken over the years; however, in my opinion he has been and continues to be the major driving force in the transformation and revitalization of the region.  We all should remember that his position is to ask us the community, business, civic, elected leaders and local residents what our highest priorities are to grow the economic base of his district.  Many of us have participated on numerous occasions in helping to form those priorities which he then strives tirelessly to achieve." 

MEDIA ENDORSEMENTS

• Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Tribune-Review  - "And his sharp words following the Haditha killings in Iraq might not have been the most artful but they certainly did force a change in basic tactics, as did his call for U.S. forces to leave Iraq. The military still has no better champion. It's no contest. Re-elect Jack Murtha."

• Johnstown, PA Tribune-Democrat - "Murtha has worked with employers to bring many jobs to our region.  And he is now working with our area's defense contractors to help them earn contracts based on their quality work and growing experience rather than Murtha's presence in Washington... We think folks around the 12th district should see Murtha as the better chioce by far to represent them in Washington in the coming term.  You should vote to keep him in office."  

• Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - " The challenger says government should focus on infrastructure, national defense, and law and order. "It's not the government's role to ensure that everyone gets equality of outcome," he said.  This survival-of-the-fittest approach may work for Mr. Russell, but not for many residents of the 12th District, which includes Greene County and parts of Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties.  The incumbent may have his warts, but the challenger is not a promising alternative.  We endorse John Murtha for another term."

• Indiana, PA Indiana Gazette - "For his part, John Murtha has used his influence and standing in Congress to our benefit. "His deeds have been in our best interests, and they speak louder than his words."

• Washington, PA Observer-Reporter - "This newspaper endorses Democrat John Murtha for re-election to Congress from the 12th District. He has provided good representation to Western Pennsylvania and on national issues tends to be right more often than not."

• Uniontown, PA Herald-Standard - "With practically no dissension, the Herald Standard editorial board enthusiastically endorses U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, for re-election.  There is no denying that Murtha, one of the most influential congressman in history, has been a big benefit to Fayette and Green counties since his 12th District expanded into those areas.... Murtha has already proven he can work both sides of the aisle, having been succesful and respected under Republican administrations and in a GOP-led House of Representatives.  He is perhaps the most influential member of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation- and turning him out to pasture would be a notoriously bad idea."