Posted on 11/18/2005 6:23:03 AM PST by conservativecorner
Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) is actively lobbying Democratic National Committee (DNC) delegates to select former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean as their next chairman.
The endorsement of the leading antiwar presidential candidate by one of the Democrats’ most prominent early supporters of the Iraq invasion signals a rehabilitation of Dean’s image in the House and greatly increases his prospects of leading the party, many Democratic lawmakers and aides said. patrick g. ryan Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) is writing letters in support of Howard Dean.
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Several lawmakers said support by the hardscrabble, old-school Vietnam veteran, who endorsed former Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.) in the presidential primaries, would compel the DNC to take a second look at the firebrand governor and not simply write him off as an extreme avatar of the party’s antiwar wing.
At Dean’s request, Murtha wrote to Pennsylvania’s seven delegates to the DNC last week explaining why he is endorsing a candidate with whom he shares so few positions.
“I am not with him on all the issues, but he understands the party’s problems, what we need to do and how to get there,” said Murtha. “And he has executive experience. … A lot of people in the party don’t understand just where we are. We need a change. We need something different.”
One senior lawmaker, who asked not to be named in order to speak more candidly about internal party matters, said his colleagues would be shocked to hear of Murtha’s support for Dean. The lawmaker added, “Maybe we’ll all have to take a second look. A lot of us will.”
Murtha said he contacted Dean to tell him of his support.
“We’re thrilled that Murtha has decided to endorse us. This is someone who is an expert on defense issues and it just shows Governor Dean’s broad appeal to Democrats,” said Laura Gross, spokeswoman for Dean.
In another sign of the significance of Murtha’s endorsement, the Dean campaign is apparently not asking all of his House backers to cajole voting DNC members to support their man. Several confirmed Dean supporters said they stood ready to do anything to help Dean but had not been asked to do anything yet. “Whatever he wants me to do, I’ll do,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).
But Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif) is also writing delegates from vote-rich California to make the case for Dean.
Dean has not formally declared that he is running, but Gross said that announcement was to be expected “shortly.” Dean would mostly likely inform his supporters of his final decision electronically.
Dean will speak at a regional DNC meeting in Atlanta this weekend, the first of four events where delegates will get to judge the candidates up close.
Other candidates for the chairmanship are also canvassing the House for support, competing for endorsements in a contest that will ultimately be decided by the 447 members of the committee. For example, Rep. Barney Frank is calling Massachusetts delegates on behalf of his onetime House colleague, former Rep. Martin Frost (D-Texas), who was defeated Nov. 2.
In a late-breaking development, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk bowed out of the race yesterday evening and endorsed former Frost.
Frost also appears to have the respect of many of his former colleagues in the House, if not the unvarnished support. Many said that Frost’s obvious command of politics on every level and understanding of House Democrats’ goals would serve him will as DNC chairman.
One Democratic lawmaker who admitted that he and Frost had crossed swords in the past said that Frost “is just too smart not to take seriously.”
Another lawmaker added, “Tom DeLay wants to chip away at the Jewish vote, both in terms of voting and fundraising, and Martin Frost is not going to let that happen.”
Meanwhile, many House lawmakers said they thought that the House minority leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), was clearly leaning in favor of former Rep. Tim Roemer (D-Ind.). While Pelosi has shied away from an overt endorsement, lawmakers said that in private conversations she is always pushing for Roemer.
“She’s always asking, ‘Well, what do you think about Roemer?’” one lawmaker said.
For a second I thought it said "Give Dean The Chair" and I thought "wow...I don't like the guy...but isn't a death sentence a bit harsh?"
good news if it happens
Now we know the WHO, and the WHY............
According to jackass John Murtha (D-Pa.) Americans cannot be for the war if they have never served. Talk about unAmerican...
Murtha sold out his country for political gain. Clintoon morals.
Rep. Murtha is more full of shit than a Christmas Turkey!
What they need's an idea.
Maybe I'm in a charitable mood these days, but everything this ***wipe is doing points to senility.
Ditto that sentiment. Given Dean's "proven prowess" as a Democrat fundraiser, if he stays on in the party's leadership, the Dems likely will go broke.
He is quoted as having said, 'We cannot prevail in this war'.
Well we already have. Every day there is NO attack on Americans in the US, we have prevailed. He's confused.
---Several lawmakers said support by the hardscrabble, old-school Vietnam veteran---
Being old doesn't make you "old-school".
| Murtha: Give Dean DNC chair ^ |
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| Posted by white trash redneck On News/Activism ^ 01/05/2005 9:41:22 AM CST · 13 replies · 396+ views The Hill ^ | 5 jan 05 | Hans Nichols Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) is actively lobbying Democratic National Committee (DNC) delegates to select former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean as their next chairman. The endorsement of the leading antiwar presidential candidate by one of the Democrat's most prominent early supporters of the Iraq invasion signals a rehabilitation of Dean's image in the House and greatly increases his prospects of leading the party, many Democratic lawmakers and aides saidSeveral lawmakers said support by the hardscrabble, old-school Vietnam veteran, who endorsed former Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.) in the presidential primaries, would compel the DNC to take a second look at the firebrand... |
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Let's see, he used to be a proud marine, now at 77 can't get his facts straight. Maybe gramps' grey matter can strike up a conversation with sponge Bob.
| A Traitor's Tirade: Rep. John Murtha Soils The Corps (Gunny Bob) ^ |
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| Posted by Stultis On Bloggers & Personal ^ 11/17/2005 8:14:19 PM CST · 24 replies · 201+ views Men's News Daily ^ | 17 November 2005 | Bob Newman ("Gunny Bob") In a statement that has angered, embarrassed and humiliated Marines around the globe, one of our own -- a retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel -- has called for the legendary fighting force to retreat from Iraq and surrender to the terrorist organization that has killed thousands of Americans at home and abroad. He has even called for the United States to enter into negotiations with al Qaeda. This vermin’s demand for retreat, surrender and negotiations with the enemy is so committed to assisting al Qaeda in their efforts in Iraq that he has posted his unspeakable demands on his... |
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