Obey on Murtha: Everyone in the Military Lost an Advocate Today

Statements are beginning to dribble out from Capitol Hill following the death this afternoon of 18-term Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.). Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), who in 2006 had nominated Murtha in his unsuccessful bid to become House majority leader, called the Vietnam vet “a congressional giant.”

I nominated him because of his dedication to America, his love of country, his love for the men and women who serve America and his understanding of the practical aspirations of those Americans who struggle everyday. John Murtha was a Congressional giant.

Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) was also quick to issue a brief statement of praise and condolence. Murtha, Obey said, was so effective on defense issues because “he understood the misery of war.”

“Every person who serves in the military has lost an advocate and a good friend today,” Obey added.