Down the Homestretch: Pennsylvania-12 (Democratic Incumbent)

Washington Wire takes a look at what’s at stake in key House races. Easha Anand reports on the 2008 elections. The Situation: Pennsylvania’s 12th District has sent Democratic Rep. John Murtha to Congress every election since 1974. The the western Pennsylvania district now has a Murtha highway, a Murtha airport and a Murtha health center. Murtha is so influential that Republicans have consulted him when redrawing congressional district boundaries. But three weeks before Election Day, Murtha told a Pittsburgh newspaper, “There is no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area.” He told another paper that some voters might hesitate to support Barack Obama for president because he’s black. Murtha apologized. But in another media interview a week later, said of his constituents: “This whole area, years ago, was really redneck.” The comments didn’t sit well with many area voters who are now giving his Republican opponent, William Russell , a retired Army lieutenant ... (link)