WASHINGTON DC -- Former U.S. Senator Max Cleland will travel to Pennsylvania during the next two days to defend U.S. Rep. John Murtha, the first Vietnam veteran elected to Congress, against smears by several right-wing groups for Murtha,s calls to withdraw soldiers from Iraq.

Cleland will appear with Murtha at a rally supporting Ed Rendell in Johnstown tomorrow at the Mirage at 3 pm. He will then appear at a second Johnstown event on Thursday at 10:30 am at Murtha,s district office located at 647 Main Street. Cleland is fighting for the Congressman, who he believes is a fellow veteran with the courage to do what's right for his district.

"I am not going to let vicious right wing smears against a good man go unanswered. I am honored to support my fellow Vietnam veteran as he runs for his 17th term in Congress," Cleland said. "I am outraged at elements of the Republican Party who still believe that defaming an opponent,s character is the best way to disagree with him. I am tired
of men who never fought in combat, accusing men who bear the scars of war, of acting unpatriotically just because they disagree with our president. This type of politics is un-American and needs to stop."

Cleland, who lost his seat in 2002 after his opponent ran ads comparing him to Osama bin Laden, has agreed to chair Veterans for Murtha. He has campaigned extensively for Democratic candidates since leaving office, especially for Senator John Kerry during the 2004 presidential election.

"Max Cleland is an American hero and I am humbled by his support at this time when I,m being attacked by right wing radicals who are opposed to my stance on the war," said Murtha.
Cleland will highlight the Congressman,s unconditional support for the military and for veterans. Murtha has repeatedly directed funds for military hospitals and health programs in his district while fighting for enough veterans funding to provide the benefits that our veterans
have earned in defending our nation.

####