Murtha right choice in 12th
In the 12th Congressional District there is but one sensible choice. U.S. Rep. John Murtha should be returned to office. Murtha as the ranking Democrat on the Defense Appropriation Subcommittee has consistently steered defense contracts to Fayette County since he began a decade ago representing part of the county. The Defense Bill recently signed by President Bush included $27.8 million in research, development and production contracts for SenSyTech, Shumar’s Welding & Fabrication, Advanced Acoustic, Penn State University Fayette Campus.
In addition, United Defense Systems is in line for $51 million to convert Bradley Fighting Vehicles.
Murtha might not spend much time in the district, especially in this neck of the woods, when not on the campaign trail, but he has worked hard to boost the economy and deliver decent-paying jobs.
In contrast, his bi-perennial Republican opponent Johnstown dentist Bill Choby has little to offer. Choby’s campaign tactics of attacking Murtha’s military record and his idea of reviving the region through the timber industry are tired and worn. Murtha has treated him as though he is pesky fly buzzing around to be swatted away at leisure.
We are somewhat troubled that Murtha places such little stock in opponents.
During the primary he refused to meet U.S. Rep. Frank Mascara in a debate. Redistricting placed the veteran congressmen against each other. It also enlarged the district to include Greene and parts of Washington counties.
Murtha campaigned well in the spring, visiting all areas of the district and listening to the needs of his new constituents. He has continued to return throughout the summer and fall to talk about sewer and water projects and roads.
It is heartening to see Murtha working in his district and we urge him to continue the visits once voters return him to office.