Representative John Murtha (D-PA) announced today that he will run for the position of Majority Leader if Democrats regain control of the House in the November elections. Murtha, 73, is a 16-term Democrat and Marine veteran, known for his close ties to the military and his outspoken opposition to the war in Iraq. Since the Majority Leader plays a significant role in legislation, Murtha's election to the post could mean the House will consider his own plan for withdrawing troops from Iraq:
Murtha, 73, wrote in a letter to Democratic colleagues that he would seek the post "if we prevail, as I hope and know we will, and return to the majority this next Congress."
"I would appreciate your consideration and vote and look forward to speaking to you personally about my decision," he wrote.
Murtha, regarded as a close ally of Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, has taken his party's lead in demanding an early withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. He served in Vietnam as a Marine and he has a reputation in Congress as a strong friend of the military.
It was not immediately clear if Murtha had discussed his decision to run for the party post with Pelosi.
Murtha is more conservative than some of his other colleauges in the House: he opposes abortion rights and supports gun owners rights. Just because he is interested in running doesn't mean he will for certain lead the party if Democrats win in 2006. Current Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) has expressed interest in running. But the first step in all of this, obviously, is taking back the House.
