Jack Murtha: The Best Man for the Job

The netroots played a huge role in this year's elections. From advocating for strong candidates that put us over the top in the Senate (Tester, Webb) to bringing press attention to the do-nothing rubber stamp Republican House, blog activists were a force in bringing about a new direction in American.

Now that we are in the House majority for the first time in 12 years, it's time to get started enacting an agenda to move our country forward. We have a Speaker in Leader Pelosi who I believe, has the skills, spine of steel and motivation to be both one of the most powerful speakers in history but also more importantly, the most effective.

But as with any good leader, Nancy needs trusted confidants and strong lieutenants to help her achieve progressive legislation. That's where the netroots come in. We've got a race for Speaker Pelosi's number two, the House Majority Leader, and your efforts to weigh-in on the choice are crucial.

On the one hand, we have Congressman Steny Hoyer, a hard-working, dedicated Democrat, but one who is Speaker Pelosi's chief rival in the House and a consistent supporter of our misguided mission in Iraq.

On the other hand, we have Congressman Jack Murtha, a decorated war veteran with 32 years of congressional experience. Jack is a close ally of Leader Pelosi, having managed her campaigns for Minority Whip and Minority Leader. More importantly, his call for a redeployment of U.S. troops out of Iraq last year turned the debate on the war, finally putting Democrats on the offensive and giving our party the winning issue in the midterm elections.

Jack has the experience, force of personality and gravitas to enact the Democrats' House agenda. He will help unify the party and, having no interest in the speakership, fully support Congresswoman Pelosi's authority. Jack is the best man for the job, a close friend of mine and will help lead us to a new progressive future.

--Rep. Jim Moran (VA-08)