Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) Dies At 77

Outspoken Iraq war critic Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) has died of gallbladder surgery complications at the age of 77. Murtha represented western Pennsylvania for 18 terms.

Murtha voted in 2002 to authorize President George W. Bush to use military force in Iraq, but Murtha's growing frustration over the administration's handling of the war prompted him in November 2005 to call for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops. "The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion," he said. Murtha's opposition to the Iraq war rattled Washington, where the tall, gruff-mannered congressman enjoyed bipartisan respect for his work on military issues. On Capitol Hill, Murtha was seen as speaking for those in uniform when it came to military matters.

Over his career, Murtha was the subject of numerous ethics investigations. You may recall that in the 1980 Abscam corruption sting, he was captured on videotape turning down a $50,000 bribe, but implying that he's be open to taking bribes in the future. He eventually testified against six congressmen and one senator, all of whom were convicted.