Murtha slams 'swift boat-style' attacks

[Thrill]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. John Murtha, the anti-war congressman who is the likely new House speaker's pick for majority leader, fended off what he called "swift boat-style attacks" on his ethics record Tuesday.

The Pennsylvania Democrat also blasted his rival for majority leader, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, for siding with President Bush on Iraq.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who as the House Democratic leader is in line to be the next speaker, has backed Murtha against Hoyer, who is currently the No. 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives.

Democrats are slated to vote Thursday on who will take the chamber's leadership posts when the Congress reconvenes in January.

Hoyer insists he has commitments from a majority of the caucus. He picked up the public endorsement of a bloc of moderate Democrats on Tuesday.

The Maryland congressman also rebutted Murtha's accusation that he backed the war, saying he has sided with Democratic calls for a "phased redeployment" of U.S. troops.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/14/congress.democrats/index.html

Getting Nasty.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Pelosi should say it's Murtha's for two years. After that a new one. Hoyer should back off. nt

[On the Road]

2. That Was My Initial Take

but the earmarks thing disturbs me. This is not a swiftboat invention.

I do not see how see how Pelosi can run with a clean government agenda while people like Murtha and Hastigs who have already been under a cloud have leadership positions.

Steny Hoyer (my congessman) has too much of a "limousine liberal" style for my taste, but he has a good voting record on most issues. Maybe he does have majority support, and Pelosi knows it. Murtha promoted her for her original leadership role (Whip?), and she may simply be returning the favor.

[Captain Hilts]

3. Alcee Hastings can't have the Intel Committee chair. Can't.

Hoyer is a K Street 'ho.

[On the Road]

4. I Am Really Upset About the Hastings Nomination

the Democrats CAN'T promote anti-corruption with Hastings as a committee chair. I partly agree with the criticism of Hoyer, but it seems to be pretty ordinary nowdays.