It is an oft-used expression to "follow the money" when baffling events in politics leads one to be confused as to their nature or causality. I believe in this case, one could also surmise, "follow the power trail" as well.Murtha knew that in the era of Howard Dean's democrat party, he could never have been elected House majority leader by being a moderate. With the elections coming up in November, Murtha saw an opportunity for a powergrab, and desperate times called for desperate measures.DEMOCRATIC INFIGHTING
In expectation of a Democratic takeover of the House in this year's elections, advocates of Minority Whip Steny Hoyer and Rep. John Murtha are engaged in a fierce backstage battle for their candidate to become majority leader.
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who would be unopposed to become speaker of a Democratic-controlled House, is considered certain to vote for Murtha against Hoyer. Murtha managed Pelosi's successful campaign for party whip against Hoyer in 2001, which provided the stepping stone toward her current dominance in the House. Hoyer associates say Pelosi is working behind the scenes for Murtha, but Hoyer told this column he sees no such activity by her.
Although both Hoyer and Murtha once were considered part of the Democratic Party's relatively moderate wing, Murtha's aggressive opposition to U.S. intervention in Iraq has made him a favorite of the left.
So if Murtha had to sell out his nation's military mission in Iraq and play the turncoat against what were his Marine brethren as a means of almost instantly brandishing his moonbat anti-war credentials and setting himself up to be Majority leader, so be it.
So Jack. Are the "thirty pieces of silver" you're seeking for turning against your Marine brethren worth it?
Just what other principles are you willing to sell out if you should gain the position of power you want and the status that it would bring you?
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Technorati: Murtha Patriotism Iraq Haditha Marines
