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Tammy Alonso's Blog

Tammy Alonso's Blog

Left of Centre

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Musings on Murtha—and the political etiquette of death

As a constituent of the long-serving Congressman John Murtha (D-12), I was both shocked and saddened by his recent death.

My colleague here at pa2010.com, Michael Livingston, was probably right when he stated that Murtha’s gruff, no-nonsense, non-ideological style will likely be buried with him, and that’s sad. While there are those who will criticize many of Murtha’s policies, actions and associations over the years, he was always a tireless fighter for the people of his district and a force to watch in the House.

That being said, and with the understanding that the arena of politics can be a cruel environment where the familiar mantra of “the show must go on” takes on a whole new meaning, I was a bit surprised, and put off, by the behavior of some of those considering or announcing a run to fill Murtha’s office.

Barbara Hafer announced her candidacy the day before Murtha’s funeral. And two days later brought news that Mark Singel had already scheduled a press conference to announce his. Ryan Bucchianeri responded to news of Murtha’s death with a statement claiming “I could never replace Congressman Murtha”—an interesting sentiment from the man who was already challenging Murtha in the Democratic primary, presumably to replace him. And while the Congressman’s former district director, Mark Critz, did wait a week to throw his hat into the crowded ring—citing his consideration of Joyce Murtha while delivering a not-so-subtle shot in the direction of candidates who seemed to not have shown proper deference—his respect was to allow her time to decide whether or not she wanted to run for her late husband’s seat, not to give her the time she needed to mourn her loss.

Like I said, politics can be a cruel game, made all the more so when an unexpected death occurs, and so close to important electoral cycle dates. And, no doubt, the Murtha family is well aware of this reality. But would it really have been so terrible to wait until this week to declare one’s intentions to run? To have remembered to at least make some passing reference to understanding “the family’s loss” during “this difficult time”? To have retained some semblance of humanity rather than to have just focused on the political aspects of the situation, looking for all the world like so many carrion-eaters pouncing on a fresh corpse?

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February 24, 2010 at 10:34 am

--Tammy Alonso

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  1. Greg K., PA

    Feb 24th, 2010

    Congressman Murtha’s body wasn’t even cold by the time people were jumping at his seat. It’s sad and more than a little classless.

  2. STEELBLITZ1

    Feb 24th, 2010

    If this is an attempt to build up sympathy for Critz, then it isnt working. Everyone knows that seniority is gone now, and Critz contends he knew he was going to run and “kept his ambitions” private.

    He is upset he didnt get the same start out of the gun and will be an afterthought by most voters of the 12th.

    Out of sheer curiousity, i wonder when Saylor passed as opposed to when Murtha and other candidates declared their candidacy? Good research project for someone.

    Nonetheless, in all fairness to Hafer, she did clearly indicate she would proudly step aside if Mrs. Murtha should not decide to run and support Joyce. Critz may be a little peeved at everyone because things didnt work out for him the way he wanted. Such is the case in politics i guess.

  3. purifypolitics

    Feb 24th, 2010

    in my opinion, both Barbara Hafer and Mark Singel showed the utmost respect to John and Joyce Murtha.

    I may be wrong, but I believe Barbara Hafer ‘announced’ her interest the day of the funeral, as she was interviewed at the affair. I know she didn’t hold a formal press conference announcing her candidacy, she simply stated an interest in the seat should Joyce Murtha choose not to run. It is my opinion that the news ran with her quote prematurely, forcing other candidates to hasten their actions, as the political wheels began churning.

    for the record, Mark Singel also said he would back out of the race if Joyce Murtha chose to run.

  4. Tammy Alonso

    Feb 24th, 2010

    Actually, purifypolitics, if you follow the link provided in the post, it will take you to the exclusive interview Barbara Hafer gave to John Manganaro here at pa2010.com on Feb. 15, the day before Murtha’s funeral, announcing her decision to run, so it was most certainly not a premature assumption on the part of the media. And while it’s all well and good for both Hafer and Singel to say that they would have backed out of the race had Joyce Murtha decided to run, a better choice would have been to give her the time to make that decision before announcing their own.

  5. WESTPADEM6

    Feb 24th, 2010

    Im inclined to agree on this one w purify and Steelblitz. Both candidates i think kept a pretty low profile during the viewing and funeral. Hafer did stress as well as Singel the admiration and respect they both had for the congressman.

    I didnt see anyone out campaigning tammy.

  6. The Real Murtha Legacy

    Mar 6th, 2010

    Good Riddance….

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