Jack Murtha for Majority Leader

I am proud to join Leader Pelosi and so many of my colleagues in strong support of Congressman Jack Murtha for our Majority Leader.

With courage, Jack Murtha challenged the country to a real conversation on the war in Iraq and the need for a new direction. His voice opened the door to a dialogue - one that the America people reiterated at the polls. The district I represent has lost more than eleven servicemen who proudly served our nation. Just as they kept their promise to our nation, so should we keep the promise we made when we sent them into harm's way - provide them with tools to keep them safe and a plan to secure the peace so they can return home. With Jack as Majority Leader I am confident we will deliver on our promises.

Congressman Murtha's record is based on his experience as a war hero, policymaker, and man of the people. Through his leadership on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Jack has consistently championed programs to combat breast cancer, diabetes, brain injury and pain management. He is also a strong advocate of alternative energy and innovation and has fought to preserve and promote democracy through his service as an election observer. Jack is not only a leader, but a listener, one who I trust to help us carefully craft policies to benefit working families across this country.

This past Tuesday the voters called for change and elected Democrats to lead the nation in a new direction. This new direction should include Jack Murtha as Majority Leader.