CrackedWorld

Today it comes out that Congressman John Murtha may be using his political influence to help out his relatives.

A company owned by a nephew of Congressman John Murtha, Murtech Inc., received $4 million from the Defense Department last year.  Murtha has been known for getting government money for defense contractors in his home state.

John Murtha, a former Marine is the chairman of the House appropriations defense subcommittee. A very powerful position for some one who wants to further the careers of friends and relatives. Last year Murthas’ Nephew, Robert Murtha, owner of Murtech Inc. was awarded a no bid contract. Murtech Inc. provides “necessary logistical support” to Pentagon testing programs” as put by Robert Murtha himself.

You may remember how much of an issue was made of alleged no bid contracts to Haliburton by Vice President Dick Cheney. What John Murtha is doing is no different but he thinks its alright because it’s him this time and not a Republican.

Don’t get me wrong I have never been shocked by the level of hypocrisy that a politician is capable of; but this is pretty blatant.

The New York Times reported that another nephew of John Murtha’s was given a congressional lobbying position, which raised concerns in Washington last week.  Col. Brian Murtha (United States Marine Corps)was appointed to a legislative liaison position that could allow him to make direct contact with his uncle. I thought Obama was going to put an end to lobbyists in Washington.

Guess not.

John Murtha also reportedly earmarked millions of dollars to  St. Vincent College, while his cousin, the Rev. John F. Murtha, was its president.

Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania has been a strong opponent of the Iraq war in stark contrast to his nephews defense contracting. He has been quoted as such:

“This is the thing that has worried me right along. We’re spending $8 billion dollars a month.”

Apparently he found a way to make some of that money back and keep it in the Family  as well. The  quotes above can be found here.

He doesn’t seem to have a problem with spending billions of dollars on earmarks for his own relatives but not for issues of national security. Of course these kinds of earmarks will be overlooked by The Obama administration when it comes to rooting out earmarks from bills in congress.

Surely Rep. Murtha will be calling in favors to the president when ever his relatives need a few bucks.

Its a Cracked World; Congressman Murtha doesn’t help.

Tags: Congress, Earmarks, Politics