WP, pg1: In Pennsylvania, Hillary's Got a Friend In Murtha

[DeepModem Mom]

In Pa., She's Got a Friend In Murtha
By Eli Saslow
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, March 29, 2008; Page A01

UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- They waited for three hours in a chilly gymnasium, more than 2,000 people standing shoulder to shoulder on the hardwood floor, their patience waning through a cheerleading routine, a pep rally and four noisy speeches from local politicians.

Finally, at 8:15 p.m., a brown SUV pulled into the snowy parking lot of the Penn State Fayette campus. Secret Service officers dispersed through the crowd, and the gym fell quiet. Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell walked onstage and waved. Next on the platform was Hillary Rodham Clinton, the first presidential candidate to visit this town in 35 years. And then, at long last, the celebrated special guest:

"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer yelled, "please welcome . . . your congressman! John Murtha!"

Clinton turned to greet the towering Democrat, grabbing his arm and lifting it above the crowd like a referee announcing the winner of a prizefight. It was an odd role reversal for a presidential contender accustomed to being the main act, but everyone opens for Murtha, 75, in southwestern Pennsylvania. For the moment, at least, Clinton appeared content to stand in his shadow.

After all, she owes him. When Murtha announced last week that he would endorse the senator from New York, he gave her a uniquely valuable gift. No politician is better positioned to deliver votes when Pennsylvania holds its presidential primary on April 22 than Murtha, who has lived in the same Johnstown neighborhood since winning a House seat in 1974.

Many constituents and local politicians revere Murtha for his loyalty in bringing new business to a region abandoned by steel, coal and Coca-Cola. Others fear his reputation as an old-school politician given to shouting matches and backroom dealings. But almost everyone in this corner of Pennsylvania agrees: Usually, it's wise to follow Murtha's lead....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803409.html?nav=hcmodule

[IowaGirl]

1. Thanks, DeepModem Mom.

I really appreciate this post. :toast:

[AX10]

2. Thanks for the link.

This is a valuable endorsement.