Army Vet to Challenge House Defense Appropriations Chairman John Murtha

*nhboy* ^(Premo) · 10-29-2007, 08:18 PM

"JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A career Army member left the service two years short of retirement to move here and try his hand at politics by challenging longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. John Murtha.

First-time candidate William T. Russell, 45, a Republican, acknowledged that taking on a popular, 18-term congressman in the 2008 election will be "an uphill battle."

"But it's one that must be fought," Russell told the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown.

Russell plans to formally announce his candidacy within weeks. Murtha has declined comment on the challenge."

FOXNews.com - Army Vet to Challenge House Defense Appropriations Chairman John Murtha - Politics | Republican Party | Democratic Party | Political Spectrum

awpitt · 10-30-2007, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhboy

"JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A career Army member left the service two years short of retirement to move here and try his hand at politics by challenging longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. John Murtha.

Two years short of retirement? Doesn't sound like the brightest tool in the shed. He should've waited for the next election cycle which is (imagine that) two years away.

Ken King · 10-30-2007, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awpitt

Two years short of retirement? Doesn't sound like the brightest tool in the shed. He should've waited for the next election cycle which is (imagine that) two years away.

What do you mean? If elected and upon leaving Congress he could then combine his military service with his Congressional service and retire with a high-three being thousands of dollars greater. I would say that he is a very bright tool that could take advantage of Murtha's recent blunders.

awpitt · 10-30-2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken King

What do you mean? If elected and upon leaving Congress he could then combine his military service with his Congressional service and retire with a high-three being thousands of dollars greater. I would say that he is a very bright tool that could take advantage of Murtha's recent blunders.

I mean that's a big gamble. You're right, if he wins, he'll make out retirement wise. IF he wins. If he looses, he just lost his retirement. Not very bright at all. He should wait two years so his retirement isn't at risk. It's not like this is the only election he'll be able to file for.

Ken King · 10-30-2007, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awpitt

I mean that's a big gamble. You're right, if he wins, he'll make out retirement wise. IF he wins. If he looses, he just lost his retirement. Not very bright at all. He should wait two years so his retirement isn't at risk. It's not like this is the only election he'll be able to file for.

Why, if he doesn't win he can then re-enlist to finish his 20 or take up another career in Federal Service so as to not lose the time. Besides why wait when the time is probably perfect to take on Murtha.

awpitt · 10-30-2007, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken King

Why, if he doesn't win he can then re-enlist to finish his 20 or take up another career in Federal Service so as to not lose the time. Besides why wait when the time is probably perfect to take on Murtha.

Good points. I didn't think of those options.

itsbob · 10-30-2007, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken King

Why, if he doesn't win he can then re-enlist to finish his 20 or take up another career in Federal Service so as to not lose the time. Besides why wait when the time is probably perfect to take on Murtha.

Someone with 18 years in, I would surmise of a fairly high rank, would have a hard time "re-enlisitng".. and at best would lose one or several paygrades, and at the least would have to take a job in the field of their choice not his..

Of course he could always go into the reserves or National Guard and keep accruing points until their retirement is reached.

Ken King · 10-30-2007, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsbob

Someone with 18 years in, I would surmise of a fairly high rank, would have a hard time "re-enlisitng".. and at best would lose one or several paygrades, and at the least would have to take a job in the field of their choice not his..

Of course he could always go into the reserves or National Guard and keep accruing points until their retirement is reached.

The article says that he is already a small business owner that specifically moved to Murtha's district to take him on, looks to me as if retirement money is the last thing on the mind of this candidate.

Lenny · 10-30-2007, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken King

The article says that he is already a small business owner that specifically moved to Murtha's district to take him on, looks to me as if retirement money is the last thing on the mind of this candidate.

Sounds like the kind of Representative more districts should be sending to Washington.

*PsyOps* ^(Premo) · 10-31-2007, 08:39 AM

How dare this cold blooded murderer challenge Murtha!

10-29-2007, 08:18 PM	#1
nhboy ^(Premo) Ubi bene ibi patria Member Since: Aug 2007 Posts: 11,745	Army Vet to Challenge House Defense Appropriations Chairman John Murtha "JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A career Army member left the service two years short of retirement to move here and try his hand at politics by challenging longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. John Murtha. First-time candidate William T. Russell, 45, a Republican, acknowledged that taking on a popular, 18-term congressman in the 2008 election will be "an uphill battle." "But it's one that must be fought," Russell told the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown. Russell plans to formally announce his candidacy within weeks. Murtha has declined comment on the challenge." FOXNews.com - Army Vet to Challenge House Defense Appropriations Chairman John Murtha - Politics \| Republican Party \| Democratic Party \| Political Spectrum Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Add post to Facebook __________________ Doctors Without Borders Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Special Olympics
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10-31-2007, 08:39 AM	#10
PsyOps ^(Premo) Pixelated Member Since: Sep 2006 Posts: 21,646	How dare this cold blooded murderer challenge Murtha! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Add post to Facebook __________________ You get the government you deserve.
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