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Rep. John Murtha Dies at 77


JOHN MURTHA WIKIPEDIA X390

Rep. John Murtha, a fierce critic of the Iraq war whose support for gay rights evolved in recent years, died on Monday at a Virginia hospital, a spokesman has confirmed. He was 77.

The Pennsylvania Democrat and chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee was hospitalized in intensive care at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington due to complications related to gall bladder removal surgery last month. He died shortly after 1 p.m., according to congressional aides.

First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974, Murtha had a mixed voting record on LGBT issues, though he moved in recent years toward more support for gay rights legislation. Last year he received a 70% rating from the Human Rights Campaign’s Congressional Scorecard for the 110th Congress (January 2007 to January 2009).

During that term Murtha voted for expanding hate-crimes protections to include sexual orientation and for the House version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would have banned workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (the bill died in the Senate and has not received a floor vote in either house for the current congressional term). In 2006, Murtha voted against the antigay federal marriage amendment.

A Vietnam veteran, Murtha was not a cosponsor of “don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal legislation introduced in the House by fellow Pennsylvania Democrat Rep. Patrick Murphy. 

Murtha is survived by his wife, Joyce; his sons, John and Patrick; his daughter, Donna; and three grandchildren. Memorial services have not yet been announced.

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Reader Comments
  • Name: LARRY N. CURLY
    Date posted: 2/10/2010 11:54:22 PM
    Hometown: ROGER BURR IS A DUMBASS

    Comment:

    First of all Roger, who asked you, I just love it when some moron that hasn't got a clue starts popping off. If you don't think congress is a bunch of selfish, moneyhungry, me first losers, then you are even a bigger moron than you have led me to believe. Stick to watching the Beverly Hillbillies and Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., they are just your speed.

  • Name: Ann Coulter is smacking gays.
    Date posted: 2/9/2010 3:03:57 PM
    Hometown: America Red White and Blue NOT L,G B or T

    Comment:

    Cowards cut and run. But Marines never do.

  • Name: Roger Burr
    Date posted: 2/9/2010 9:52:59 AM
    Hometown: Marble Hill

    Comment:

    God rest his soul. He did what he could for the LGBT community. Pity not many others follow his example. BTW.. Larry; I just love your 'christian' attitude. Just what we need on this website; another hate-mongering, Bible thumper.

  • Name: Larry N. MO
    Date posted: 2/9/2010 8:02:58 AM
    Hometown: CONGRESS IS CROOKED USA

    Comment:

    Just another congressman that went senile, hopefully he is on his way to hell.

  • Name: Me
    Date posted: 2/9/2010 1:13:05 AM
    Hometown: USA

    Comment:

    Good riddance! I pray that those poor Vietnamese souls you and your buddy John Kerry et al have helped "... raped, cut off ears, cut off heads, ... cut off limbs, blown up, randomly shot at...", whose villages razed in fashion reminiscent to Genghis Khan... will finally be able to take revenge upon you as you burn in hell for eternity.

  • Name: Ingrid
    Date posted: 2/8/2010 3:53:46 PM
    Hometown: Tucson

    Comment:

    My condolences to Murtha's family. He's done quite a bit for the LGBT community over the years. He will be missed.



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