Rep. John Murtha, Advocate for Pa. District, Pentagon, Dies at 77

U.S. Rep. John Murtha died Monday after a lengthy and sometimes tumultuous career in Congress.

The Pennsylvania Democrat was first elected to represent his Johnstown Congressional district in 1974 after returning home from fighting as a Marine in Vietnam. Once elected, he rose through the ranks of Congress from back-bencher to a trusted confidante of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, eventually becoming the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations subcommittee for defense spending.

From his post atop the Appropriations subcommittee, Murtha enthusiastically directed billions of dollars in federal spending to his financially strapped district in western Pennsylvania. He was also a strong advocate for generous military budgets.

In recent years, he came under fire from government watchdog groups-- and under investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics-- for directing hundreds of millions dollars in federal contracts to PMA Group, a lobbying firm with direct ties to Murtha. The FBI raided the offices of several groups associated with PMA in 2009, but the Office of Congressional Ethics announced late last year that it had dismissed its inquiry and recommended against further investigation into Murtha's connections to the firm.

Murtha was also ensnared in the Abscam votes-for-cash corruption scandal in the 1980s, but was never prosecuted for any criminal wrong-doing in the sting.

During his tenure in the House, Murtha was considered a bottom-line deal maker who could deliver the votes of both Democrats and Republicans. At times gruff and irascible, the towering lawmaker could often be found during votes on the House floor holding court at the back corner of the chamber, striking agreements to push a vote through to final passage.

In 2003, he made headlines with his outspoken criticism of President George W. Bush and his conduct of the Iraq War, which Murtha had originally supported. Long considered one of the most hawkish members of the House's Democratic Caucus, Murtha said, "The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion."

Although he tried to become House Majority Leader in 2006 with Nancy Pelosi's support, he lost the post to Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who was seen by many as a more polished spokesman for the Democratic party.

Before his time in Congress, Murtha ran his family's car wash business in Johnstown, and also served in the Marines and Marine Reserves. He volunteered for the Marines during the Korean War, and served again in combat in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts

Last week, Murtha was admitted to the intensive care unit of Virginia Hospital Center last after complications following surgery to remove his gallbladder. John Murtha was 77.

As news of his death spread across Capitol Hill, House leaders remembered him as a man who fought for his district and his country. House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio said, "Our nation has lost a decorated veteran and the House of Representatives has lost one of its own," while Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) said simply, "John Murtha was a Congressional giant."