Poll: Murtha Trailing Russell in Pennsylvania
U.S. Representative John Murtha could very well lose his seat in Congress, conservative syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin reported Thursday. According to a recent poll, Murtha trails his Republican rival Bill Russell by 13%.
The news comes days after another poll that showed Murtha ahead by only 4%, a small lead considering that incumbents like him always have a big advantage.
Unlike most other Republicans running for Congress this year, Russel has presented himself as a true American conservative – a candidate who wants to reform Congress, by bringing conservative rather than progressive change. Or even centrist change.
A major reason for Russell’s current success is that Murtha recently called West Pennsylvanians “racists,” and later “rednecks,” when trying to explain to journalists why Barack Obama may have a harder time winning this state than many people think. As should be obvious this did not go over well with Pennsylvanians.
Then there is another reason: Murtha is one of the biggest spenders in Congress. He may be the incumbent, but he is also famous for the pork he connects to every single bill that passes his office, and he has a long record of insulting his opponents, and even members of the United States military (marines, for instance, were condemned by Murtha for committing a mass murder; they were later found innocent).
Lastly, conservative activists have finally found a candidate they can wholeheartedly support in Russell, and another candidate they can passionately oppose. Conservatives everywhere have spent considerable time and attention to Russell, and asked their readers to support his candidacy by either donating money to his campaign or, of course, going out on the streets to convince Pennsylvanians to vote for the retired Lieutenant Colonel.
He is one of the very few Republican candidates for Congress this year able to inspire the ‘netroots.’
In a year when Democrats seem poised to increase their majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives, it seems that one Democrat may very well lose his seat. Murtha now faces an uphill battle, a battle against his own statements, gaffes, and spending… and against an inspired and energized Republican base in Pennsylvania.
Exit question: could this spell trouble for Obama’s chances of winning in Pennsylvania?
That Murtha is behind is very good news. Democracy’s up-side is demonstrated when one of the corrupt is called home by the voters, whether in the primaries or the general election.
While this race looks like it will have a positive outcome, I still believe terms limits should be put in place for Congress.
I sent $25 to Lt. Col. Russell today (http://www.russellbrigade.com). Took <1 minute through paypal. I encourage others to do the same. Lt. Col. Russell is a great American. Murtha is a political hack and deserves to lose.
he should have been given the boot a long time ago. Murtha was less than stellar in 06 and he has gone downhill ever since. Not surprised but good to see a viable candidate.
Why can’t the republican Party find candidates like this for every single district?
The RNC needs a total house cleaning! State after state they have shown poor leadership and have left the door open for the liberals to take over, California is a classic example. We as conservatives should demand more from our leaders!