Murtha Seeks House Leadership

Fox News reported today that Congressman John Murtha will run for House Majority Leader if the Democrats take back the House.

Rep. John Murtha, a 16-term Democrat known for his close ties to the military and his outspoken opposition to the war in Iraq, said Friday he will run for House majority leader if Democrats win control in November.

Democrats need to gain 15 seats to recapture the majority they lost to the Republicans in 1994. If that happens, Pelosi, D-Calif., is expected to become the speaker and Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the current Democratic whip, is in line to become the majority leader, the House's No. 2 post.

Hoyer is not pleased.

"This is a distraction at a time when our focus should be on incumbents and winning back the House," said Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif, a Hoyer ally. "This takes away from our ability to focus on those efforts."

This is a great gift to the GOP. Serious people who understand the stakes in Iraq and around the world in our war on Islamofascism need to pay attention. And the Republicans should use it on the campaign trail. "If the Democrats win, Murtha could be in charge of the House." That should get Republicans elected.

Run, Murtha, run!