Murtha’s impact enormous

Whether beloved or reviled, one should not minimize the positive impact that U.S. Rep. John Murtha had on the Johnstown area and the 12th Congressional District.

Murtha, 77, died Monday in a Virginia hospital of complications from gallbladder surgery. His death came as a shock, despite earlier reports of Murtha being hospitalized in intensive care. Many assumed this was just a temporary setback and Murtha would be back on the job soon.

Instead, many now are in mourning and worried about what's ahead.

Over 36 years as a U.S. representative, Murtha fought to improve the lives of people in his district hit hard by a decline in mining and steel production.

The Johnstown Democrat was instrumental in securing funding for a national heritage area to promote tourism in the region, in getting the National Drug Intelligence Center based in Johnstown and in getting defense contractors to set up operations in the region, creating a lot of jobs.

While these and other activities may have earned him scorn from critics, Murtha fiercely defended his efforts, including the practice of using earmarks.

And the positive economic benefits endeared him to people of the region in a way that made his re-election virtually guaranteed, even when he took some seemingly unpopular stances.

A retired Marine colonel who was known for his support of the military and veterans, Murtha made national headlines in 2005 when he called for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Despite voting for the use of force years earlier, Murtha called the Bush administration's handling of the war "a flawed policy wrapped in illusion."

Even comments two years ago that he thought western Pennsylvania is racist area and that it used to be a redneck area failed to turn the majority of voters against him. He handily won re-election despite a strong challenge from Republican William Russell.

Who will fill out the remainder of Murtha's term, which runs through the end of the year, will be determined in a special election, likely to be held in conjunction with the May primary.

This much is certain: Whoever is elected will have some tough shoes to fill, especially in Washington, where seniority is power.

One of the benefits of having a longtime member of Congress is the perks that seniority can bring to the district, and the Johnstown area has done well.

Now instead of feasting at the front of the line, the 12th District with a freshman representative will have to settle for the leftovers after other members of Congress have had their fill.

It's going to be a leaner time for the 12th District, and that reality is why Murtha will be remembered so fondly by those who benefited from his efforts.