Murtha in Tight Race for Congressional Seat

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported October 23 that Democratic Congressman Jack Murtha is in a statistical dead heat with Republican challenger William Russell, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who decided to run against Murtha after the congressman made disparaging remarks about Marines serving in Iraq.

According to the report, Murtha holds a lead of just over 4 percentage points, which is within the polling margin of error for the poll cited by the Tribune-Review. The poll was taken immediately after Murtha's latest controversial remark about constituents in his district, so the poll may change again after the effect of Murtha's comments wears off a bit.

After referring to some of his constituents as racists, the Tribune-Review says "...Murtha later said many in Western Pennsylvania were 'rednecks' several years ago." As would be expected, Republican challenger Russell saw an opportunity to gain some ground in the polls. The Tribune-Review says "About 54 percent of voters among those polled say it's time for someone else to represent them in Congress. About 35 percent say Murtha deserves to be re-elected."

The biggest risk a constituency takes in voting out a long-time incumbent is a loss of power and influence in Washington. Murtha has a reputation for being able to steer federal dollars to his district, and some voters may not want to take a chance on the ability of a freshman congressman to bring home the proverbial bacon.

Murtha's last two electoral victories saw a margin of victory of 20 percentage points in 2006 and no opposition in 2004. "This year," the Tribune-Review says, "according to the poll, it's different." A spokesman for the challenger is quoted in the story as saying, "In the beginning, we were facing an impossible task. A little later on, we were looking way up the mountain. Now, it looks like the summit is in sight."

Murtha spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said "We not only disagree with the poll, but we find its results ridiculous. Congressman Murtha has a clear record of working tirelessly for Western Pennsylvania, and his efforts have created tens of thousands of local jobs."

The story notes that Russell decided to run after Murtha made a statement two years ago saying that the Marines accused of killing Iraqi civilians would be found to be cold blooded murderers, and then failing to apologize even after 7 of the 8 Marines involved were cleared of the charges preferred against them.

Russell has raised more money than Murtha, the Tribune-Review says, but Murtha currently has more cash on hand. Federal election commission reports show Murtha with nearly $600,000 and Russell with just over $300,000.