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Feds Raid Contractors With Ties to Murtha

Veteran Dem has steered $100M to probed company

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Jan 23, 2009 9:16 AM CST
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(Newser) – Federal agents yesterday raided the offices and homes of two Pennsylvania defense contractors with strong ties to powerful Congressman John Murtha, Politico reports. The lawmaker has steered more than $100 million in federal contracts to the companies, and their employees have given more than $65,000 in contributions to Murtha. A US attorney would say only that it's an "ongoing investigation" and that ties to lawmakers are a part of it.

“We know nothing more than what we've read in the press today,” a Murtha spokesman tells the Wall Street Journal. Murtha, a member of the defense appropriations committtee, has long been aggressive on earmarks, which he defends as necessary for his economically depressed district. Republicans raised the issue in trying to unseat him in the last election.



Rep. John Murtha, center, addresses supporters with Senator Bob Casey, right, and Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner outside a steel workers union hall in Latrobe, Pa. on Nov. 1, 2008.
Rep. John Murtha, center, addresses supporters with Senator Bob Casey, right, and Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner outside a steel workers union hall in Latrobe, Pa. on Nov. 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
U. S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., shakes hands with supporters at his headquarters after his re-election Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 in Johnstown, Pa.
U. S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., shakes hands with supporters at his headquarters after his re-election Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 in Johnstown, Pa.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, center, walks with Unites Steel Workers of America local leader Kevin Caruso, right, as they tour a new facility at Latrobe Specialty Steel in Latrobe, Pa., Nov. 1, 2008.
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, center, walks with Unites Steel Workers of America local leader Kevin Caruso, right, as they tour a new facility at Latrobe Specialty Steel in Latrobe, Pa., Nov. 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Jan 27, 2009 6:09 AM CST
Please, there have been more Republican corruption scandals in the last 10 years then you can shake a stick at. Just ask Randy "Duke" Cunningham, Tom Dely the money launderer and Vitter the Shitter who liked to wear diapers for hookers. And for the reconrd, if Murtha is guilty I say throw him in the cell next to Randy.
Guest
Jan 24, 2009 7:19 PM CST
Again, another story about a Democrat involved in illegal activity and nowhere is it mentioned that he is a DEMOCRAT! Whenever a Republican get a notice for an overdue library book the article says "Republican" every other word.

Seeking more federal money, Murtha suggests his district take former Gitmo detainees
Fox News

 
John Murtha • earmarks • corruption • Pennsylvania • political scandal • defense contractors

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