By MIKE FAHER
As residents and officials celebrate John Murtha’s substantial legacy, they’re also staring into a deep political void.
The congressman’s death on Monday – just days after he marked 36 years of service in the U.S. House – sent shock waves through national and statewide Democratic organizations.
But it’s the 12th Congressional District, and Murtha’s home base in Johnstown, that will face the most uncertainty.
“Of all of the areas, his own district will be the most hard-hit, clearly,” Gov. Ed Rendell said. “The economic development that Jack brought into his district was maybe second to none.”
At the national level, Murtha was chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. That job was about more than money: As the first Vietnam veteran elected to Congress, Murtha was an authority on military matters.
“Jack’s tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security,” President Barack Obama said in a statement issued Monday.
U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster,
R-Hollidaysburg, said Murtha did not make many speeches on the House floor. Shuster recalled one day when a senior Republican quieted younger members as Murtha rose to speak.
“When he stood up and talked about national security issues, people listened,” Shuster said.
At the state level, Rendell said Murtha was a powerful ally, a trusted adviser and a friend.
“He was our go-to guy
– someone who, whatever the issue was, could weigh in and make things happen for us,” the governor said.
“It’s hard to say anyone’s irreplaceable,” Rendell added. “But Jack comes as close as anyone we’re going to find.”
The word “irreplaceable” likely is on the lips of many in Murtha’s district. Though he was lambasted in some circles as a “king of pork,” the congressman made no apologies for bringing home lots of cash.
“I think he certainly was a major player for our area in the transition from an industrial economy to a service and high-tech economy,” said Ray Wrabley, an associate professor of political science at Pitt-Johns-town.
The “pork” debate now will disappear, as district voters will send a freshman to Washington.
“You’ve got a big man in physical and political stature who made a big mark and put Johnstown on the map,” Wrabley said. “Any successor will start with a pretty small voice compared to his.”
Of particular concern for Johnstowners will be where that successor makes his or her home.
The sprawling 12th Congressional District, which was redrawn after the 2000 census, touches nine counties. Johns-town is neither its geographic nor political center, and observers say it may be difficult for another person from this area to be elected to Congress.
“I think it’s very possible that the center of gravity (within the district) shifts to the west,” Wrabley said.
The impact of such changes cannot be underestimated.
While Murtha was well-known for fostering defense-contract work, he was repeatedly remembered Monday as a powerful champion for the common man.
State Sen. John Wozniak,
D-Westmont, said Murtha was known for “fighting fiercely for the tools to rebuild the collapsed economy and weathering whatever criticism came his way to create a better life for working families here.”
And Mark Singel, a Johns-town native who is a former state senator and lieutenant governor, said Murtha could “move mountains” in Congress.
“While he could be gruff with critics and opponents, he had a huge heart and a tireless work ethic when it came to his district and his colleagues,” Singel said. “This is a huge loss to our region. It is just not possible for someone to fill those shoes.”
