I have to say that the right wing pro GOP are excellent grudge holders. But still Murtha was a military Veteran and the very first of a large number of Vietnam vets to be elected to congress. And since 1985, Murta was arguably the strongest advocate for military vets in congress. As well as an advocate of having a strong military. And as a head of the military appropriations committee, he had a long track record of getting the military what it needed.
But its also true that Murtha knew how to grab every congressional funding perk he could while cutting ethical corners, but he still looks decidedly third rate in that department when compared to the now rejected Tom Delay and the current John Boenher. And as the pro-GOPer falls all over themselves to point out that Murtha was partly involved in Abascam, how quickly and conveniently they forget to mention that John McCain was caught up as deep also. Or we could mention that other strong pro military advocate that held a long time seat in congress by the name of Duke Cunningham. Even though he is now jailed for taking a GWB bribe, was he all evil too, as he put his life on the line fighting for the USA in combat?
My point is and remains, the life of Murtha was hardly all black or all white, and like many other people, he leaves life with a mixed legacy. And now that is he gone, there is something hypocritical in trying to focus on only the bad things or only the good things he has done.