Veterans for Bill Russell for Congress

Murtha Snubs District With Cap & Trade Vote

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

District Residents Could See $2K Jump In Utility Rates
(JOHNSTOWN, PA) – Ignoring the importance of the coal industry in the 12th Congressional district, incumbent Rep. John Murtha (D) voted with his Democrat party leadership in supporting the Obama Energy Bill in the late night hours Friday. The bill, also called “Cap and Trade,” would heavily tax energy derived from fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

“Our local residents could see as much as a fifty percent increase in their home utility costs,” said William Russell, Republican candidate in the 12th district. “This bill is nothing more than a way for this government to take even more money from its hard-working citizens. Residents in this district are already having trouble paying their home heating and electricity bills, how can they afford to pay up to fifty percent more?

Russell also pointed out that Rep. Murtha also thumbed his nose at the district’s coal industry by supporting the bill. “Pennsylvania and the 12th district sit on some of the largest coal and gas deposits in the country,” said Russell. “Passage of this bill could virtually shut down the coal industry. We should be encouraging the development and use of clean coal technology. This is just another example of how Mr. Murtha puts the support of his party ahead of the needs of his district.”

Russell also noted that West Virginia’s three representatives voted against the cap and trade bill. “Voters in the 12th district have to ask themselves one simple question,” said Russell. “Why on earth would Mr. Murtha support this bill? There is only one answer, to pay back his boss, Nancy Pelosi.”

Roll Call of Vets & Friends Against Murtha!

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Roll Call of Vets & Friends Against Murtha
[Add Your Name]
(To locate someone by name, use the FIND menu on your browser)

A
John Alden, HMC, USN (1976-2000), AZ
Mary K. Allen, Civilian, WI
Janet Sells Allkins, Pvt, WAAC WWII (1942-1943), MI
John M. Allison II, USMC (1965-1969), AR
John M. Allison III, CPL, USMC (1991-1995), AR
Patricia M. Amtmann, TSGT, USAF (1977-1989), MD
William D. Anderso, USAF (Ret.) (1949-1971), FL
Mark G. Andren, SSgt, MNARNG (1997-Present), WI
Gregory Anderson, 1SG, US Army (Ret.), (1968-1980) SD
Carl Andrews, Plymouth, PA
Autorotate, WO1, Army National Guard, 2000-Present, PA
B
Roy H. Baird, AEC, US Navy (Ret.), (1956- 1977) TN
Juanita Y Bassett-Hansen, Civilian, Father, US Army Sgt/Maj (1940-1969), Husband, E-7, CO
Kevin Beacon, NY
Richard R. Beauregard, US Navy (1983-1991), PA
John W Bell, SSGT, USAF (1982-1990) MI
Michael J Bell, LTC, US Army (Ret.), (1965-1993), FL
Kieran J. Bergin, Cpl, USMC (1977-1981), NJ
Linda A. Bergin, Sgt, USAF (1982-1986, NJ
Ken M Binegar, SSgt, USAF (994-2007), OH
Joseph Blaettler, Sgt, USMC (1980-1984), NJ
Joshua D. Blankinship, SSgt, US Army (1999-Present) Overseas
William A Bloomer, BGen, USMC (Ret.) (1955-1986), KS
Pastor Ed Boston, Sgt, US Army, (1980-1984), IN
Bob Bowman, CW-3, USMCR (1961-1982), FL
Joseph J. Boyce, Capt, ARMY (1966-1969), PA
Fred C Breese, Cpl, USMC (1966-1970), SC
Dave Brown, COMM2 USCG (Ret.), (1983-2004), WA
Franklin K. Brumfield, SSgt, USAF (1964-1968), CA
J Burkholder, SSgt, USAF (1971-1977), TX
Arthur H. Fesler-Butts Jr. Army/Navy (1972-2000), IL / AZ
C
Chris Campbell, CWO, USMC (1994-2007), IN
Gerald Chandler, SP5, US Army (1966-1970), PA
Jason Castano, Civlian, TX
Jason G. Castillo, LCPL, USMC (1995-1999), WI
William, E. Cheek Jr., USAF (1992-1996), SC
Glenn D. Clark, Father of a U.S soldier serving (2008-2009)in Iraq, PA
Travis H. Clark, SPC, ARNG SPC (2004-present), AL
Jerry D. Clapper, Sgt, USMC (1965-1969), OH
Ashley, L. Colburn, E-3, US Army (2005-2007), MD
Edward L. Coleman, Colonel, USMC (1986-Present), TX
Mike Conchewski, SP4, US Army, (1971-1973), PA
Michael C. Conklin, FCI (SW), US Navy (1979-1999), FL
Robert Conrow, Civilian, CA
Darren E. Cooley, Sgt, USMC (1984-1992), MI
Eric M. Cooper, SSgt, USMC (1984-1993), VA
David B. Cormier, E6, US Navy, (2001-Current), VA
Patrick S. Corning, CPL, US Army (1984-1991), IL
Albert, A, Coritz, TSgt, USAF (1984-1994), PA
Lowell (Rick) Cox, Sgt, US Army (Ret.) (1977-1999), FL
Beth Ann Coyle, Civilian, Daughter - WW II Vet, Cousin - USAF, Gulf War Vet, TX
Joseph R Crotty, E8, US Navy (1943-1973), CA
Monica Cullen, CPL, USMC (1987-1995), CA
Dan Curley, PFC, US Army, (1988-1991), WI
Michael D. Cummo, SPC4, US Army (1968-1969), NY
Darryl Currie, Navy (1979-1999), FL
Alan Curtis, Lt, USMC (1968-1971), PA
D
Edward J. D'Alessandro, LT, USN (1987-1993), NY
Brian R. Daetwyler, HM2, US Navy (1999-2007), PA
Gary Davis, US Navy (1963-1969), AZ
Rob Davis, USNR (1983-1992), IL
Stephen H. Day, SGT, USMC (1969-1973; Vietnam 70-71), TN
Jeffrey W. Dean, Col., US Army (Ret.), (1967-1996), WI
Stephen M. DeVito, SFC, NJARNG, (1987-2007), NJ
Michael C. Diersen, USAF (Ret.), (1978-1995), TX
Coby Dillard, PO2, US Navy (2000-2006), VA
Jim Dillard, Commander, US Navy (1972-1995), NH
G.R. Dinius, US Navy (1962-1966), MI
John Ditmars, P02, US Navy (1981-1984), TX
Andy S Dlinn, LCDR, USNR(Ret.) (1974 - 1995), PA
Richard Disney, Capt, US ARMY (1989-1999), NV
Oliver P. Ditch, Col, USAF (1959-1983), VA
Stephen, M, DeVito, Spc, NJARNG, NJ
John R Dobson, Jr, CPL, USMC (1964-1968), WI
Dwight Doolan, Capt, USMC (1951-1959), NY
James Dowling, AG3 US Navy (1975-1980); QM3 USCGR (1985-1989); AG3 USNR (1991-1995), MI
Wayne C. Doyle, LtCol, USMC (Ret.), (1964-1988), KS
Carl D. Duda, CPL, US Army (1988-Current), PA
Frank E. Duffy, CPL, USMC, (1963-1967) FL
Philip L. Dunmire, CAPT, US Army Reserve, (1967-1978), FL
E-F
David A. Easley, MSgt, USAF (Ret.), (1965-1986) OK
Napoleon J. Ebarle, Spec., US Army (1984-1987), CA
Philip B. Esper, SSG, U.S.Army (Ret.) (1975-1999), PA
Brad Fletcher, E5, USN, (1974-1979), TX
James K. Engstrand, Army NG (1987-Present) MN
Ryan Evans, AT2, US Navy (1999-1904), WI
Kristofer Evanoff, Civilian, IL
Mike "Iron Mike" Farquhar, LTC, USAR (Ret.) (1961-1998), MA
Donna M. Ferguson, Civilian, Father, Daniel Dickson, retired, USAF, CA
Joshua R. Findney, AFROTC Cadet (2007-2011), MI
William C. Fisher, SGT, US Army (1988-1996), AZ
Brad Fletcher, . . .
Wayne A Fogel, LCDR, USN (1963-1968), FL
John Foresman, US Army (1942-1971), CA
Sarah J Foley, Civilian, MN
Linda J Fraioli, Father - Army WWII; Brother & Others - USAF NJ
Branden K Folger, USNA (2000), NH
Sheridan Folger, US Army (1990s), NH
Vincent Franco, Major, USAF (1981-2003) FL
G
Danny R Garner, SFC, US Army (Ret.), (1977-1999), GA
Ernest Gajdusek, SP5, US Army (1960-1968) FL
Glen J. Gasior, Sgt, USAF (1971-1973) IL
Douglas V. Gibbs, PO3, US Navy (1984-1988), CA
Douglas L. Gilbert, USAF, 1971, AL
John Gilham, Lance Cpl, USMC (1988-1992), CA
Wanda F. Gladwill, Daughter - USMC, WWII, CA
Lee S Gliddon Jr, E5, USN (1957-1963), NV
Patrick P. Grady, SGT, USMC (1965-1969), AZ
J. Scott Grass, CPL, USMC, (1089-1993), OK
Larry A. Granger Jr, E3, US Army (1985-1987 & 1994-1996) GA
Barry A. Goldsmith, Major, USAR (1962-1970), CO
Wayne H. Golwitzer, CW04, USMC (1981-2005), VA
James, W, Gonsalves, SSgt, USAF (1984-1993), FL
Doy D. Gorton, Capt, USMC (1994-1997 & (2000-2004), MO
Beryl Gosney, PO, US Navy (1971-1977), GS-12 Civ, (1077-1998), WA
Matthew Gottshalk, CPL, USMC (1985-1991), VA
John G. Gomila, Jr., E5 US Army (1969-1971), LA
Stephen J Goniea, US Navy (1987-1995), PA
James L. Goodwill, MSG, US Army (Ret.)(1975-1996), PA
William H. Graves, AMM 2/c. US Navy (1941-1945), CA
Ronald J Guest, Sgt, US Army (1965-1969), ID
Wayne F. Guraleczka, SK2, U.S. Navy (1969-1972), MD
Jose Guzman, AE3, USN (1959-1963), TX
H
Cecil Hale, US Army (1984-2004), TN
Joshua A Hall, Cpl, USMC (2003-2008 Iraq), OH
David B. Hadley, Sgt, US Army (1983-1989), PA
Don L Hamblin, US Army (1969-1971) MO
Daniel G. Hanke, CPL, USMC (1974-1982), IL
Donald W Hanke, USMCR (1974-1982), IL
Jack H Hansen, Seaman, US Navy (1972-1976), MN
David Harger, 1Sgt, US Army (Ret.), (1986-1908), PA
Dave Harding, SSgt, USAF (Ret.), (1976-1996), PA
Dan Harnett, LCPL, USMC, (1982-1985), NY
Robert P. Harper, SSgt, USAF (1967-1970), MD
Dudney A. Harris, Maj, USAF (1954-1967), GA
Mark L Harvey, A1C, USAF (1980-1984), TX
Joseph D. Helsing, Col., USAF (1965-1996), IL
Matthew G. Helwer, SGT, US ARMY (2004-Present), WI
Rachele, M, Henderson, Sgt, USAF (1998-2005), VA
Buck J Herron, Capt, USMC (1965-1971), OK
Daniel A. Herrera, BTFA, US NAVY (1991-1993), CA
James S. Hessberger, CW3, US Army, (1985-2004), MD
Gary Hill, E-5, USMC (1967-1970), NC
Paul Hill, U.S. Army (1994-2004 Afghanistan & Iraq Veteran), PA
Barry Hillman, SSgt, US Army (Ret.), (1973-1998), PA
Brett, J, Hines, US Army (1986-1999), TX
Norman E. Hooben, USAF (Ret.)(1961-1982), AL
Richard F Hood, SK2, US Navy (1967-1971), FL
Dane B. Hone, CPL, (1997-Present), PA
Marlo L Hone (Allen), SPC, US Army, (1992-1994), PA
John J Hostetter Jr, SrA, USAF (1959-1963), MD
Rusty Howell, U.S. Army, (1966-1973), PA
Maurice E. Hudson, III, USMA - 1976, LTC, US Army (Ret.), (1970-2004), VA
Edward J. Hughes, LTC, USAF (Ret.), (1943-1975), TX
Leonard Hughes, SFC, US ARMY (1989-2003), PA
I-J
Dean Ingalls, USAF, (1988-1997), PA
James . . ., E6 (SS & SD), USN, (1958-1965), ID
Larry H. Jennings Jr., EN3, USN (1979-1982), WA
Gordon J. Johnson, Col, USAF (1951-1973), CO
Johnny L. Johnson, CWO4, USN (1969-1990), TX
Roger A Johnson, US Navy (1957-1966), PA
Marvin D Jolly, E-4, US Army (1957-1960), CA
Keith Jones, Civilian, PA
Robert A Jones, MSgt, USAF (Ret.), (1985-2005), GA
K
Gerald J. Keller, Col, USMC (1962-1986), VA
Gerald M. Keller, SFC, US Army Reserve & USARNG (1981-2001), NY
Benjamin E. Kelstrup, USMC & USN (1992-1996/2000-2009), MT
Norman D. Kemmerer, SSgt, USMC (1955-1064), MD
John Pat Kenny, Capt, USMC (1968-1974), WA
Dan Kessler, Civilian, WA
David J Kilby, GySgt, USMC (1983-2005), OR
Dennis S.Q. Kim, CAPT, US Army, (1964-1969), HI
Richard L. (Dick) Klein, USAF (1966-1989), CA
Andrew B. Kletzing, Capt, US Army (2003-2008), IL
Edward O. Klumpp Jr., PR2, US Navy (1959-1963), NJ
Stan S Kulak, Sgt, USMC (1964-1971) CA
Larry Van Kuran, SSG E-6, US Army (1965-1969), CA
L
Justin Landry, CPL, USMC (2000-2004), OH
James C Langtry, UT3, US Navy 1963-1969), NJ
Joseph H Lake, US Army/ VA ANG (1989-Present), VA
Andy Lauman, US Army, RLTW, (1991-1995), NC
Joseph Leblanc, LCDR, USN (1944-1950) USNR (1951-1960), AR
Ashley L. Lee, Proud Marine Wife (2005-Present), PA
Bill Lefevre, CPL, USMC (1966-1969 - Vietnam), OH
David A. Legier, US Army (1969-1971), AL
Deborah B Leonard, Proud Army Mom, VA
David Loberg, LT, US Navy, (1986- current), MN
Stuart M. Lockwood, LT, USN (1962-1966), GA
Jerry Lubeck, civilian, WA
Thomas J. Lukasik, US Navy. (1975-1979), SC
M
Robert W. MacPherson, CWO, US Navy (Ret), (1972-1994), PA
Rhob MacRobyn, USMC, (1954-1962), NC
Robert A. Madayag III, PO3, US Navy (1990-1996), GA
Justin A. Madore, SSgt, US Army (2001-2007), NC
Michael A. Main, ST1, US Navy, (1968-1974), TX
Samuel l. Mallory, SP5, U.S. Army, (1966-1968), CA
Bruce C. Malone Jr, 1SG, US Army (Ret.) .(1982-2006), PA
Donald H. Malone, SP4, U.S. Army. (1963-1965), PA
John E. Maloney, RD3, U.S. NAVY, (1956-1959), NY
Dr. Stephen Maloney, PA
Eric M. Mantion, LT, US Navy, (1988-1999), AZ
Alan C Marble, E4, USAF (1961-1966), OR
Jack L Marshfield, USNR (1972-1993) NC
C. Ryan Martin, QM3, USCG (1989-1993), PA
Jay C Mastrud, E-5, US Navy (1987-1992), MN
Frank Maughan, LTC, Us Army (Ret.), (1965-1993), UT
Barb McCarthy, Civilian, PA
Chuck McCarthy, Civilian, PA
Jessica A. McClain, E4, US NAVY, (1991-1995), PA
Brian. D. McCluskey, SGT, US Army (1996-2005), TX
Pierre McGraw, Civilian, LA
Tommy O. Meeker, LTC, USAR (1965-1995) VA
Tom Meredith, USMCR (1960-1968), LA
Bobbi J. Miller, TSgt, USAF (1997-Present), KS
Phillip G. Miller, SPC3 US Army (1953-1955), PA
Marc G Miller, LTC, USA (1978-1998) IL
Rick Miller, Civilian, VA
Dwain T. Moentmann, LtCol, US Army (1958-1978), MO
John J. Molloy, Sgt. US Army (1966-1968), PA
Karl P Monger, Major, US Army (Ret.), (1983-1997), KS
John C. Moore, LtCol, US Army, (1986-1989) (1992 - Present), VA
Brad Monhaut, Capt, US Army (2002-2007), MI
Michael M. Mullen, RM2, USN (1974-1978), MA
Ted Murray, US Army (1958-1961), SC
N
Warren G. Nash, LCDR, USN (Ret.), (1973-1993), FL / NH
William L. Nash, Army, (1990) TX
David Nazarian, Capt,USMCR (1965-1973), VA
Reynier Negron II, SPC, USA FL
Robert S. Nelson, Sgt, US Army (1986-1994), TN
Ben Newton, Major USMCR(Ret.), (1953-1974) PA
Navid Nia, Civilian, DoD Intel, VA
Douglas F. Nichols, E-6 USN (1974-1994) VA
William C. Nobles, USN (1964-1969), VA
Gunner P.C. Nole, CW2, US Army (1987-1996), PA
Novis E. North, SFC (Korea & Vietnam) US Army (1948-1968), & SGM, USAR, NC
Sharon C. North, HM3, USN (Korean: 1952-1954) & SFC, USAR (1972-1981), NC
Wendy Nowak, Daughter of WWII Navy Vet, Aunt of Active Navy man, NY
O
Jerry O'Halloran, Sgt, USMC (1951-1954), CO
Jeff O'Neal, Capt, US Army (1979-1984), WA
George A. Oldham, SP5, US Army & 2 yrs NHNG (1966-1970), NH
Cullen S. Olejniczak, E4, USAF ( 2002-2007), WI
James L. Olin, PFC, USMC (1967), IN
Ron Oliver, CPT, US Army (Ret.), (1977-2000) KY
Frederick R. Olsson, U.S. Navy (1961-1963), FL
John O'Malley, USMC (1966-1968), IL
Alan M Oprsal, MAJ, USAR (1984-Present), MI
P-Q
Donal L. Pace, LTC, US ARMY (Ret.) (1956-1982) VA
Chris Packard, Civilian, GA
Danna S. Palmer, Marin eMom of Cpl. Cory L. Palmer, USMC (2003 - 2006) DE
William B. Page, US Army (1971-1973 RVN), LA
Louis G. Papp, MI
Frederick B. Parsells, Sgt, US Army (1966-1969, NH
Ralph K. Park, USNC (1953-1983), FL
Shelly L. Parks, USAF (1989-1993 - Desert Shield/Storm), TN
Steve Lee Parsons, SP-4, USA (1964-1970), PA
Richard F. Pendleton, LTC, USA (Ret), (1963-1990), AL
Thomas J. Pentecost, USMC (1945-1971), FL
Bill Perkett, USAF (1977-1987), GA
Marshall A. Peterson, MSgt, USAF (Ret), (1985-2007), NE
Malcolm R. Powell, Col USAR (Ret), USN (1956-1964) USAR (1982-1993), CA
George E Pratchett, Sgt, USA (1952-1954), CO
Leo Pusateri, MN
Wayne A. Price, SP5, US Army (1967-1969) IL
Richard J. Polson, S1c, US Navy (1944-1946), VA
Austin M. D. Quick, RP3, US Navy (1999-2007), IL
R
Timothy R Randle, IV, Capt, USA, (1993-2002) AL
Lloyd, A, Ray, 1Lt, PA ARNG (1988-1996), PA
Mark A Raymon, PFC, USMC (1992-1995), MN
Philip J. Rechnitzer, USAF, FL
Paul A Redburn, LCPL, USMC (1975-1976), WA
Christopher D. Renner, CPL, USMCR, (1999-2006) PA
RJ Rich, USAF (enlisted) & US Army (officer Ret.) (1973-2004) WI
Daniel C. Richert, MSgt, USAF (Ret.), (1984-2006), IL
Ted L. Ridings, US Navy (1955-1962), TN
Matthew, A Riordan, Capt, US Army ( 2004-Present), IN
Kenneth L. Roeder Jr., SPC, U.S. Army (1987-1991), IL
James F Rogers, HM2, US Navy (1983-1993), MO
Yolanda Rogers, Major, USAF (1987-Present), CA
Thomas L. Rohosky, CPl, USMCR (1978-1984), PA
Lawrence D. Romack, USMC (2001-2007), TX
Carl W Rotunda, MT1, US Navy (1978-1988), PA
John W. Russell, A2C, USAF (1960-1964), FL
S
Gabe Salazar, Major, ANG, (1998-Present), TX
Matt Salisbury, US Army (1991-1995) (2000-2005), ID
David C. Schlachter, Col, USAF (Ret.) (1965-1989), FL
John P. Scholl, USAF, (1969), PA
Darryl Schulte, US Army (1957-1960), KY
Carl F. Schwab, III, 1LT, US Army (1970-1971), TX
Willis M.(MEL) Scott, SSgt, ANG (1958-1964), AR
Donald R. Sessoms, CMSgt, USAF (Ret) 1963-1990, MT
Thomas M. Sexton, E5, USN (1975-1980), AL
Raymond D. Shelley, US Army (Ret.) (1971-1978; 1981-1996), IA
Melissa Sheperd, U.S. Army Spouse, (1990-Present), PA
James Edward Sistrunk, E-4, US Army (1996-2002), TN
Charles D. Shauger, LCDR, USNR (1963-1971), OR
Jenn Sierra, Daughter of a Korean War Vet (1951-1953), OK
Edward L Silverthorn, SSgt, US Army (2002-Present), MI
Richard L Silverthorn, Sgt, USAF (1951-1954) MI
Christopher Semler, LTC, USAR 1982-2008), NY
Brad Smith, HM3 USN (1976-1982, CAJeff Smith, Nescopeck, PA
James O. Smith, Civilian, 30 yr employee in defese industry, AFROTC/OSU, Columbus, OH
Scott J. Smith, SSGT, USAF (1978-1988), TX
John S. Smith, US Navy (1960-1966), IL
Steven M. Smith, MSgt, USAF (1979-2005), WA
Dr. William (Bill) Smith, Major, USAF (Ret.)(1966-1988); 2 Fathers WWII; Son Capt, USAF AR
Sidney E. Snook, LT, US Navy (1967-1974), FL
Dave Souders, A1C, USAF (1959-1962), IL
Patricia A. Sowers, Civilian, VA
James R. Sowers, CDR, US Navy, (1970-1990), VA
Roberta (Bobbi) Spillane, Captain, US Navy (Ret.), (1978-2001), NH & FL
Rick J Spina, Father of Ex Navy (2001-2007), NY
Charles O. Stapleton III, Lt, US Navy (1966-1970), USAR-R (1987-1990), CSMR (1990-2008), CA
Dan E. Starkey, Msgt, USAF (Ret)(1973-1993), OH
Ursula Stein, Civilian, FL
Mark Louis Steele, Civilian, TX
Tim Sumner, SFC Us Army (Ret.), (1974-1994), PA
Josh Sutton, E7, US Army, PA
Karen T. Swanson, Daughter of WWII Marine PFC James Elmer (1942-1945), AZ
William H. Szych, LtCol, USAF (Ret.) (1975-1995 & 2002-2005), VA
T-U-V
T.R. Thompson, US Navy (1967-1969), PA
Dennis M. Thun, LCPL, USMC (1966-1969), GA
Nancy Tilton, Daughter of infantryman, ETO, (1942-1943),GA
James L Tippins, Major, USAF (1971-1991), FL
Joseph E. Tout, USMC (1959-1963), PA
Michael Tran, SSGT, USAF (1994-2007), TX
Rudy S Turnsek, SSgt, USMC (1987-1995), PA
Godfredo "Doy" Valero, HM2 US Navy (1973-1979), CA
Eric R Vandehey, SSgt, US Army (2002-Present), WI
Micahel Eugene Vandt, PFC, USMC (1996-1997), KY
Nathan J. Verkade, CPL, USMCR (2004-Present), NJ
Gerald Vincent, Us Army (1983-2005), NY
W
Dennis J Waldinger, SAr, USAF (1994-1998), NJ
Brad Walker, SPC, USAR (2002-Present), MN
Jere T Wallace, Col (Ret.), (1964-1987), VA
Tom Wannamaker, EM2(SS), US Navy (1966-1971), CO
David A. Ward, HM3, US Navy HM3 (1990-1994), UT
Russell Ward, E-5, US Army (1965-1969), MD
Lewis A. Waters, E-5, US Army (1969-1977), WA
Thomas D. Watkins, II, Major, US Army (Ret.) (1958-1979), NC
Roderick H Watson, ETC, US Navy (1978 - 2004), ID
David A. Weary, Civilian, AZ
Richard Webb, E5, US Army (1967-1969), PA
Phillip R Weigandt, HM1, USN (Ret.), 1979-2000, PA
Doug Welch, Father Army & Grandfather Army, WWII & Vietnam, IL
Raymond P. Weldon, SFC, US Army (Ret.), (1983-2004), VA
Daniel Wells, NC
David P Wetter, SFC, US Army (Ret.), (1982-2006) MI
Nelson Whipple, SK2, US Navy Seabees, (1951-1955), NC
David Keith Whipple, Ph-3, US Navy, (1964-1967), NM
John Whitcomb, 1st Sgt, USMC (Ret.), (1980-2002), CO
David L. White, CPL, USMC, (1983-1987), PA
Michael J Witsell, USMC (Ret.), (1954-1974) WA
Patricia Witten, 1LT, US Army (1967-1970), VA
David M. Wyatt, SSgt, USAF (1968-1971) WI; Proud Father of:
Daniel R. Wyatt, LCPL, USMC, KIA Oct 12, 2004, Iraq, WI
X-Y-Z
Daniel M. Yaciuk, CPT, U.S. Army (1998-2003), CO
Donald Yannacci, US Army, (1953-1956), PA
John, F, Yeager, US Army (1991-Present), MT
Thomas A Yost, Civilian, PA

Support LTC William Russell - Defeat Murtha

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Mark "Snooper" Harvey at The Snooper Report: I had the honor and pleasure to accompany LTC William Russell and a handful of Haditha Marines a while back as we visited Murtha. Murtha would not see us. Later on, Cyber Pastor [Ed Boston], LTC Russell and myself had lunch as we began assaulting the dishonorable halls of CONgress. If I lived in Pennsylvania, I would be voting for LTC William Russell.

Dear Russell Brigade Member:
Did you Google "Jack Murtha" this morning? I did. Here are just a few of the headlines that popped up on my screen:
"Earmarks for Campaign Cash?"
"Murtha, Specter shame Pennsylvanians"
"Feds Eye Murtha Links to 'Middleman'"
"Murtha Wove A Web Of Companies And Contracts"
"More Trouble For Congressman Murtha"
Unlike the old days, these headlines aren't only coming from our conservative allies. Nearly every "mainstream" news agency has its eye on the man from PA's 12th Congressional District - and they're not covering ribbon-cuttings at those infamous 'shovel-ready' projects!

Even his liberal allies now view Mr. Murtha as Washington's anti-change agent.

Now to old Murtha friends and allies, that's just 'Jack being Jack' - the price of getting things done for Johnstown. But for those of us who live in the real world, Mr. Murtha's controversy-of-the-hour is a tragic study in corrupt power politics.

This summer is our chance to build the strongest possible victory team for 2010. Will you join me? Here are 3 important ways you can help:

1. Help us network on Facebook - join our group, post articles about the campaign on your page -- start your own RussellBrigade fan site!

2. Organize a Bill Russell Summer Front Porch Rally or backyard cookout at your home.

3. Become a monthly contributor to the campaign -- $10, $15 or even $50 a month will help us maintain and fund our growing grassroots organization.

Thanks for all you're doing for this cause!

With respect and gratitude,
Bill Russell

P.S. A few days ago, I was thankful to receive recognition from the Army with a pair of medals - the Meritorious Service Medal and The Legion of Merit Award. Read about it here. RussellBrigade.com. [Email] Paid for by William Russell for Congress

It is About the Warrior - "Till the Last Shot's Fired"

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:40:00 +0000

With Memorial Day Weekend upon us, the following video provides a chilling reminder of the price of war but presented in a most patriotic way. "Remember, it is about the warrior and not the war." The song is presented by the Trace Adkins & the West Point Cadet Glee Club! God Bless our military and our veterans! Wounded Warrior Project!

John Murtha Airport Funding Even Stinks in Arkansas

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:33:00 +0000

ARRA News Service: The National Republican Congressional Committee put together a commercial linking Rep. Vic Snyder (D-AR) to Rep. Nancy Pelosi and highlighting his vote for $800,000 to repave a runway a what is essentially John Murtha's (D-PA) private rural airport used by only around 20 passengers. Though Arkansas' conservative values are apparent to anyone who opens their eyes, Vic Snyder votes with ultra-liberals Nancy Pelosi and John Murtha 97% of the time in Congress. Is this who Arkansans need representing us in DC?

Jason Tolbert, The Tolbert Report: This could mean trouble for Snyder. The fact that the NRCC is starting to spend money seems to indicate that Snyder could face a challenge in 2010. This could be a result of the poll showing Snyder’s reelection at virtual toss-up at 43% to 41%. My sources also tell me several individuals are looking at running.

Democrats' Airport For No One

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Nancy Pelosi promised to drain the swamp - she failed and now taxpayers are on the hook for the Democrats' Airport for No One. Oh, yes it for one John Murtha. Underscores the Democrats' desire to put political gain before America interests (reference GITMO detainees) and campaign promises (open and transparent government).

Murtha's Aide Threatened Russell

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:36:00 +0000

by John Bresnahan, Politico is reporting that Bill Russell, the Republican who challenged Rep. John Murtha in 2008, and plans to do so again in 2010, says Pennsylvania Democrat John Murtha's chief of staff John Hugya threatened to have him recalled to active duty. Hugya made the threat during a National Rifle Association event in mid-March.

Ret. Col. Gregory Ritch, a former Army Reserve officer who served as Russell’s commanding officer, said he heard Hugya make a similar threat in January. “[Hugya] said, ‘When the [new] secretary of the Army comes in, we’re going to call his ass back to active duty and we’re going to prosecute him under the [Uniform Code of Military Justice],’” Ritch said Hugya told him during their January conversation . . .

Russell said Hugya approached him at an NRA event in March and said, “I got something for you. What are you going to do when we get the new secretary of the Army seated and have your ass recalled to active duty for that s—- you pulled last summer?” Russell said that he and Hugya then engaged in a nasty exchange over comments Murtha made in 2005 about the killing of 24 Iraqi civilians by U.S. Marines. Murtha, himself a former Marine colonel, alleged that the Marines had killed the civilians “in cold blood,” a claim that infuriated current and former Marines. . . . [Full Story: "John Murtha opponent says aide threatened him"]

If I'm Corrupt

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:00:00 +0000

by Paul Jacobs, Common Sense: John Murtha, a Pennsylvania congressman going on 36 years, may be today's uncrowned "king of pork." Recently, he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "If I'm corrupt, it's because I take care of my district." Murtha was responding to questions about the FBI, which is now looking into his "pattern of steering millions in earmarks to defense contractors who give to his campaign and hire his allies as lobbyists."

In taking care of his district, Murtha takes care of himself, too. For instance, he has his own airport: the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. The airport has received over $200 million in federal tax money, most of it earmarked by Murtha. In addition to a big portrait of the congressman, the airport also has free parking and boasts "easy check-in."

Of course, the airport hosts only three flights a day -- all going to Washington, DC. A recent Washington Post report mentioned that there were seven TSA personnel screening the four passengers boarding with their six pieces of luggage. Federal taxpayers also provided the airport an $8-million radar system back in 2004 -- a system that has never been used.

In addition to Murtha's numerous earmarks, the Murtha airport just got $800,000 in federal stimulus funds. Seems it was "shovel-ready." Yes, one needs a shovel for all the . . . well, you know. This is Common Sense. I'm Paul Jacob.

Ethics Probe of Murtha; The White House Rebuff & the Murtha Clan

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Sun, 03 May 2009 02:41:00 +0000

The Washington Times is reporting that four political watchdog groups that typically support Democratic causes want a congressional ethics panel to probe ties between three House Democrats and the defunct Washington lobbying firm, the PMA Group, which benefited from the lawmakers' help. They are seeking investigations of whether Reps. John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania, Peter J. Visclosky of Indiana and James P. Moran of Virginia were influenced by campaign contributions and other financial benefits when they approved special pet projects, or earmarks, for clients of the PMA Group, in violation of House ethics rules.

PMA was founded by former Murtha aide Paul Magliocchetti and specialized in winning earmarked taxpayer funds for its defense industry clients. Murtha collected $2.37 million in campaign contributions from PMA's lobbyists and the companies it has represented since 1989, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks political money. Mr. Visclosky collected $1.36 million; Mr. Moran, $997,348.

The three lawmakers in 2007 and 2008 directed $137 million to defense contractors who were paying Mr. Magliocchetti's PMA Group to get them government business.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the The White House has thwarted a legislative attempt by Rep. John Murtha to split a $40 billion Air Force contract between Boeing Co. and its rival, Northrop Grumman Corp., according to people tracking the process. The White House asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), to persuade Mr. Murtha to back down.

The New York Times is reporting that Murtha’s Nephew Named a Lobbyist for Marines. The corps has named one of his nephews, Col. Brian Murtha, to the office charged with advocating for its interests on Capitol Hill, where Representative Murtha, Democrat of Pennsylvania, helps write the military budget. In relocating to be near the Pentagon, Colonel Murtha has even moved into a unit in the same condominium building where his influential uncle lives in Arlington, Va.

Colonel Murtha is not the first Murtha family member to be in a position to profit from his uncle’s influence. The congressman earmarked millions of federal dollars to an institution in his district, St. Vincent College, while the Rev. John F. Murtha, his cousin, was its president. He has directed millions more in earmarks to clients of a firm, KSA Consulting, where until about three years ago his younger brother, Robert Murtha, known as Kit, worked as a lobbyist.

Colonel Murtha is one of Kit Murtha’s sons. Another son, also named Robert Murtha, is a former Marine with a master’s degree in engineering. He previously worked for two military contractors who, seeking earmarks, hired a lobbyist with close ties to Representative Murtha. Over the last three years, the younger Robert Murtha has operated Murtech Inc., a small contractor in Glen Burnie, Md., that runs a warehouse and offers engineering services. It has received more than $3.5 million in military contracts over the last three years, not including subcontracts through other companies.

Bill Russell Speaks at Tea Party - [Video] #teaparty

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Bill Russell addresses the gathering at the Green County, PA Tea Party.

CBS News: The FBI and Murtha - [video] #pork #corruptlibs

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:21:00 +0000

CBS News peeks inside the Murtha Machine, earmarks, and campaign contributions. They gets the cold shoulder from the Rep. John Murtha from Johnstown, PA.

Murtha Funds John Murtha Airport With #Pork

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:03:00 +0000

Why do conservatives think taxes are far too high, why tea parties have sprung up across the country, and why the government can't be trusted to run private companies? Consider the following MSNBC report on Murtha's excessive pork spending in his district. They quote a Washington Post article by Carol D. Leonnig which is excerpted:

The John Murtha airport sits . . two hours east of Pittsburgh, a 650-acre expanse of smooth tarmac, spacious buildings, a helicopter hangar and a National Guard training center. . . . four passengers lined up to board a flight, outnumbered by seven security staff members and supervisors, all suited up in gloves and uniforms to screen six pieces of luggage. For three hours that day, no commercial or private planes took off or landed. Three commercial flights leave the airport on weekdays, all bound for Dulles International Airport.

The key to the airport's . . . continued existence -- is . . . the powerful patron who steered most of that money here. Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) is credited with securing at least $150 million for the airport. It was among the first in the country to win funding from this year's stimulus package: $800,000 to repave a "backup" runway.

. . . [Murtha] who uses the airport frequently during his campaigns, has steadily steered millions of taxpayer dollars to it to build a new terminal with a restaurant; a long, concrete runway sturdy enough to handle large jets; and a high-tech radar system usually reserved for international airports. The airport's passenger count has fallen by more than half in the past 10 years. . . .

But a watchdog group on federal waste called the airport a "white elephant." "It's an exercise in spending more money than sense," said Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense. Federal largess is clearly evident here on Airport Road. Each of the six daily flights that the United Express local carrier makes to and from the airport is subsidized, costing taxpayers about $1.4 million, . . . The subsidy is double the national average for the federal program designed to guarantee air service for 150 rural communities, excluding those in Alaska.

. . . the Murtha airport has long received funds from another federal program, meant to help pay for runway improvements and safety at regional airports. The airport has received $7.3 million since 2004 under the program. Last year, when the number of passengers fell below a federal threshold and the airport's minimum yearly funding was about to drop from $1 million to $150,000,[until] Murtha stepped in. . . .

Big-ticket items An $8 million radar system . . . A $17.8 million earmark in 2006 from the Defense Department replaced the airport's 7,000-foot-long asphalt runway . . . A $6.5 million, three-story National Guard and Reserve training center, resembling a rustic ski lodge . . . A new air traffic control tower [$6.8 million] . . . $14 million hangar and training facility

Congressman Murtha's Earmarks - Paid for by You - [Video]

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:00:00 +0000

From the Archives - 1 year ago! This guy still gets away with ripping off the taxpayers. In April, 2008, CBS Evening News "follows the money" on Democratic Congressman John Murtha's (D-PA) earmark trail. According to the report, Murtha has used $2 BILLION taxpayer dollars since 1992 to fund his wasteful pork projects. All the while, he received generous campaign contributions from his earmark recipients.

Don't Honor John Murtha! Appalling - Murtha Gets Navy Award

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:38:00 +0000

The Don't Honor John Murtha Petition:
To: Secretary of the Navy
On March 5, 2009 Congressman John Murtha was awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award by the Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter. From the press release: It is the highest form of public service recognition bestowed by the Department of the Navy for a non-employee. According to the Department, nominations for this award will be limited to those extraordinary cases where individuals have demonstrated exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps, or as Department of the Navy as a whole.

The Citation reads:
Congressman Murtha's selfless devotion to the Nation's Sailors and Marines ensured they were provided the resources necessary to effectively conduct the Global War on Terrorism. His courageous leadership, vision, and loyalty to the men and women of the Department of the Navy greatly contributed to their quality of life and helped create the most modern and highly trained fighting force in history. As Chairman of Subcommittee on Defense of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Murtha's tireless advocacy helped maintain the Navy and Marine Corps team at the highest levels of combat readiness to meet the challenges of the 21st century. With grateful appreciation for his outstanding contributions to the Nation and the Navy and Marine Corps, Congressman Murtha is awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.

John Murtha deserves no such award. He has routinely and deliberately undermined the United States military, slandered servicemen serving in combat, and caused irreparable damage to our international reputation. While serving as a Representative from Pennsylvania, Murtha called Marines from 3d Battalion, 1st Marines "cold blooded killers" who "murdered innocent civilians." Before an investigation into the Haditha incident was even conducted, Murtha went on numerous television news programs and announced that the Marines "went into houses and killed women and children." He said, "There's no question in my mind about what happened here. There was no gunfire, they killed four people in a taxi...24 people were killed." When asked specifically if he claimed that innocent civilians were intentionally executed by Marines, he said, "That's exactly what happened." Not content to slander those Marines directly involved, he went on to claim that if these Marines were not punished, "other Marines would say well I'll do the same thing." Murtha then continued to use this incident to lobby for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, citing it as evidence that our military was incapable of winning the war.

Eight Marines were originally charged. As of March 17th, 2009 all charges were dropped against six Marines, one was found not guilty on all counts in courts martial. The prosecution has delayed the court martial of the final defendant indefinitely. The original allegations of a massacre and the statements of Congressman Murtha have been thoroughly discredited. Despite the facts, John Murtha refuses to apologize to those he slandered.

We the undersigned are appalled that the Secretary of the Navy would bestow the Department's highest award for a non-employee to John Murtha after his vile and despicable attacks against U.S. servicemen. This petition is a vehicle to express our bitter disappointment at this betrayal of our combat veterans. Congressman John Murtha should apologize for slandering the Marines of 3/1, and for undermining the efforts of those servicemen and women who fought in Iraq. If he does not, the Secretary of the Navy should rescind this award as a sign of his unwavering support for those who served in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned
And Join the Roll Call Against John Murtha

Earmark Scandal Breaking for Rep. John Murtha

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Hat Tip Teagon Goddard: There's a potentially big story brewing on Capitol Hill... Apparently 104 members of Congress of both parties -- 42 Republicans and 62 Democrats -- secured earmarks for a lobbying firm linked to Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) in a single bill. The earmarks were inserted in a bill Murtha controlled as the defense appropriations subcommittee chairman. The firm's executives and clients are among Murtha's biggest sources of campaign contributions.

Update: CQ Politics has the story. "More than 100 House members secured earmarks for clients of The PMA Group, known for its ties to John P. Murtha, the congressman in charge of Pentagon appropriations... The same House members who took responsibility for PMA's earmarks in that spending bill have, since 2001, accepted a cumulative $1,815,138 in campaign contributions from PMA's political action committee and employees of the firm."
Update II: The complete list of House members involved is now posted.

Corruptocrat alert: Second Murtha-tied company raided by FBI

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Hat Tip to Michelle Malkin: Everything Pork King Jack Murtha touches turns to political gangrene. ABC News has the latest scoop:

The FBI raided the offices of a defense lobbying firm with close ties to Democratic Rep. John Murtha (Penn.), sources tell ABC News.

The FBI searched the Virginia headquarters of the PMA Group in November, according to the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. PMA was founded by former Murtha aide Paul Magliochetti and specializes in winning earmarked taxpayer funds for its clients.

Good government groups have long criticized Murtha’s cozy relationship with a handful of lobbyists and defense firms, ties that see millions of dollars in government spending go out from Murtha’s office, and hundreds of thousands in campaign donations come in. Murtha has said his earmarking has helped revive his economically depressed district.

PMA is the second company with close ties Murtha to be raided by federal agents recently. In January, agents from the FBI, the IRS and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service searched the office of Kuchera Industries and Kuchera Defense Systems, as well as the homes of the firms’ founders. The companies reportedly have received over $100 million in earmarks, thanks to Murtha’s efforts.

The Significance of 33 Minutes

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:49:00 +0000

ARRA News Service - A ballistic missile from a foreign enemy would take 33 minutes to reach the United States. With each passing day, this becomes a growing danger to America, yet our government has failed to build the missile defense systems capable of defending us against such attacks. Our enemies are attempting to stockpile arsenals that threaten our freedom and prosperity. North Korea and Iran are the most prominent, but this also includes Russia, China and other nations that have missiles capable of killing Americans in very large numbers and threatening our allies.

The time has come to revive the strategic missile defense system that America uniquely can develop, maintain, and employ for its own defense and the peace-loving world's security.This documentary aims to do just that by highlighting the disastrous consequences of a nuclear explosion on American soil - one that could happen in just 33 minutes. Film coming winter 2009. Below is a trailer for the film:

Open Letter to Congress Regarding the Stimulus Bill

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:09:00 +0000

ARRA News Service: Have you had enough of the stimulus scam. Below is a satirical open letter written by Laura Singleton. We wanted to help make sure her letter arrived. You can also help by sending Monopoly Money to DC, so that our "esteemed leaders" can fool around with it instead of OUR hard-earned money. She has asked if you'd send some too.

Here's what to do: send your elected officials monopoly money. How? Anyway possible: Email or Fax the image I've posted in my pics on this site. Put the image on your blogs. Mail Monopoly money overnight. Drop some off at their offices in your state or in DC. Blog about the waste, the pork, the delay & reference the Monopoly Money. Send out press releases, whatever. Flood their offices with the stuff. Maybe, just maybe, they'll get it then. Remember, the final vote is likely to happen Monday or Tuesday, so we don't have a lot of time. One voice is a dissenter. One million is a democracy.

Dear Esteemed Politicians,

I know many of you are new, and that the experience in our nation's capital can be both heady and confusing. Therefore, I'm writing to remind you that the Monopoly Money is the stuff that is pastel. Apparently, some (a "pared-down" $780,000,000,000.00 at last count) of the citizens' real money has slipped into your wild game. Normally I wouldn't be so rude to point out this slight and obviously unintentional mistake. However (dear me, I'm blushing), it seems that our children and grandchildren will be responsible for this debt so you can buy:

$99,600 worth of doorbells in Laurel, MS (net jobs produced: 2)
$6M to convert hybrids to electric cars in Boulder (net jobs produced: 0)
$650M more for Digital TV coupons (net jobs produced: 0)
$70M in smoking cessation programs (net jobs produced: ?)
$500K for a dog park in Chula Vista, CA (net jobs produced: 0)
$600M for the Heritage Trail in Natchez, MS (net jobs produced: 65)
$1.5M for a Prostitute Shelter in Dayton (net jobs produced: 0)
$500M for Solar Water Heaters in Puerto Rico ((net jobs produced: 14)
and--(this one deserves an award for "stupid positions have consequences" posterchild)--$400M for testing and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Now, I know that you know best, and I'm certain that this is all a misunderstanding. How could you know that the water company turned off service to somebody in our upper middle-class subdivision a couple of days ago? Or that there's a foreclosure sign a few houses away? My 70-year old parents came out of retirement to do substitute teaching after their life savings tanked. My brother's business deal fell through because of the economy & he's going to lose everything. But obviously no one told you that businesses here are going belly up and people are losing jobs. However, if it wouldn't interrupt your game too long, perhaps you could talk to any of these people--or me, for that matter--and find we'd actually rather have the money to get back on his feet than to pay to test someone who didn't abstain for an STD.

I know that Washington, DC is far, far away from here, but I would be more than willing to bring you additional Monopoly Money for you to play with in exchange for the real money, which real people could use for real needs.

Sincerely,
Laura Singleton

FBI Raids Defense Contractor Linked To Murtha

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:31:00 +0000

by Zachary Roth, TPM Muckracker: Local media in western Pennsylvania is reporting that FBI agents have raided the offices of a defense contractor in the area, which has received millions of dollars in earmarks at the request of earmark king Rep. John Murtha (D-PA). According to The Hill, picking up on the local reports, Murtha engineered $8.2 million in federal defense earmarks last year on behalf of the company, Kuchera Industries and Kuchera Defense Systems. A local TV station adds that the IRS was also involved in the raid, and that Bill Kuchera's home and "game preserve," a 161,00 acre property, were raided as well. The report also notes, intriguingly, that signs on the property call it a "U.S. government test facility."

In recent years the politically active company has given Murtha more than $56,000 in contributions, according to The Hill. And CEO Bill Kuchera served on the board of a non-profit founded by a former Murtha aide. The paper adds:

Kuchera has several Pentagon contracts that could be worth more than $100 million over a decade, including parts used in air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, and robots used in dangerous war zones to patrol vehicles for booby traps and bombs.

Murtha's career was nearly derailed in the 1980's after he was caught on tape telling an undercover FBI agent he might want money for his district in exchange for legislative favors -- and he regularly appears on good-government groups' lists of the most corrupt members of Congress.

Murtha won't let military directly lobby for their needs

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Psycmeistr at Murtha Must Go: It has long been known that Jack Murtha has been living high off the hog with regard to earmarks that have been given to his military contracting buddies. As a matter of fact, he's making such good money from his beneficiaries that he wants to streamline the earmark process: He plans to bypass advice by members of the military altogether. The House’s top defense appropriator has pledged to help strengthen the role of the Pentagon’s comptroller in an effort to curb lobbying by the military services for their controversial programs.

As I've stated before, Jack Murtha does nothing without there being something in it for Jack Murtha. To Jack Murtha, the military is merely a tool he uses to keep his fat backside in power, or to advance his political career, a/la his slanderous declaration of guilt toward the Haditha Marines.I don't know; perhaps I'm a bit too cynical. I'm absolutely positive that there is no lobbying going on when Concurrent Technologies receives a taxpayer-funded porkbarrel contract to the tune of $200 million dollars... or is there?

Yet, the Murtha situation is very troubling when you look at CTC’s Form 990. With the exception of three individuals listed on the schedule of officers and directors, all have contributed to Murtha’s congressional campaigns since 2002.[SNIP]

The Times also notes that CTC has paid somewhere around $500,000 to a lobbying firm. The lobbying firm's executives and clients have contributed over $1.2 million to Murtha in campaign contributions (the Times refers to these as donations) since 1999 according to the Times.

So we have a congressman who was a driving force behind the creation of this tax-exempt entity. That same congressman is earmarking significant amounts of money to that organization. Those who are in control of the organization (several of whom
receive significant salaries from CTC) contribute large amounts of money to the
congressman’s campaign. We can only wonder how the entity distributes the
federal grant money within the local community.>

I mean, with sweetheart deals like that, why should Murtha even bother to take the time listen to those pesky military folks who actually know what they need? I mean, there's gold in them there earmarks, right, Jihad Jack?

Murtha Defined

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:59:00 +0000

H/T to "mdconservative" for the following:

Murtha Defined:
Military Undermining Rhetoric Tactically Helping Adversaries

Ending 2008 - Lisa Benson

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:16:00 +0000

By Lisa Benson
H/T: ARRA News

Prince of Peace by Gary Varvel

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Last-minute Donations to Murtha

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:36:00 +0000

When the buzzards remained high in the air and did not appear ready to feast on Congressman John Murtha, D-Pa., who has represented his district for 34 years, the cash came flowing in at the last minute. Although too late to help Murtha fund his re-election, they were just in time to scare those who might not yet be strong enough to pull the lever for "real" change. Contributions signal power and power scares some people into submission. Fortunately, the people of Pennsylvania 12th Congressional District will someday be freed of the overbearing influence of John Murtha. No one should remain in Congress for a career. Being a U.S. Representative was not meant by our forefathers to be a lengthy career but an opportunity for the local people to send their local voice to Congress. Unlike Senators, representatives were expected to serve only one or two terms and to return to their communities. New fresh voice of the people were then sent to Congress. Mutha with 34 years in the U.S. House is not a "fresh voice" but is a decrepit voice of control and abuse.

by John Fritze, USA TODAY: Days before his re-election, Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha asked for $1 million to hold off a surging Republican challenger. His supporters responded by quickly opening their wallets. Murtha — the Democratic chairman of a subcommittee that oversees defense spending — received $1.1 million in contributions in the final days before the election, including $126,700 from employees of defense contractors, Federal Election Commission reports show. "They turned on the Democratic machine," said William Russell, Murtha's Republican opponent, who raised $31,200 during the same period and ultimately lost the race by 16 points. . . . [Dems leverage wins with last-minute donations]

Murtha Wants Immunity from Haditha Accusations

editor@arragopwing.com (Bill Smith) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Ditto and Hat tip to Exposing Liberal Lies for the following: If Republicans could have had just one victory in the recent election, other than the presidential pick, I would have wanted it to be in the John Murtha - Bill Russell race for the U.S. congressional seat in western PA. But, it was not to be. How any group of citizens could be foolish enough to vote this pork king and traitor to yet another term is beyond me. Do they not care that this disgusting excuse for an ex-Marine smeared his fellow Marines accusing them of murdering Iraqis in Haditha when he had nothing upon which to base his accusations? Based on the election results, apparently not.

Michelle Malkin reports the latest stunt by Murtha: had prayed before the election that I wouldn’t have to pay one more iota of attention to the pork-filled, cut-and-run smear merchant John Murtha. Our prayers, alas, were not answered. Now, this corruptocrat is trying to hide from justice in the Haditha slander lawsuits:

A Marine who sued U.S. Rep. John Murtha for defamation urged a federal appeals court Tuesday to order the Johnstown Democrat to testify under oath in the case. An attorney for Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich told the court that he needs Murtha’s deposition to determine how often the congressman made the claim that Marines in Iraq engaged in “cold-blooded murder and war crimes” in the slayings of civilians in Haditha.

A government attorney representing Murtha told the judges that the lawmaker has immunity from the lawsuit because he was acting in his official role as a lawmaker when he made the comments to reporters. Arguments about whether Murtha must testify was argued before a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

… Assistant U.S Attorney Darrell Valdez, who represents Murtha, argued that a member of Congress is “absolutely immune” from a defamation suit because there’s no circumstance in which speaking to the media is not within the scope of a lawmaker’s employment. Valdez said it would be hard to find an issue more of public concern than the Iraq war.

But Judge Karen Lecraft Henderson seemed skeptical about Valdez’s argument. “Are you saying a congressman can say anything that he wants about the Iraq war?” Henderson asked Valdez. She questioned if intent and motive should also be considered.