Michelle Malkin » Reminder: Pork party at Murtha’s

Reminder: Pork party at Murtha’s

By Michelle Malkin • February 27, 2008 01:27 PM

I mentioned this more than a week ago, but the date has arrived: Tonight is the crash-the-party party at Pork King John Murtha’s D.C. fund-raiser. It’s the hot place to be in the Beltway. The Examiner editorial board writes:

Rep. John Murtha is hosting a gala dinner tonight at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City for defense industry lobbyists who have received and who hope to receive millions of tax dollars via earmarks sponsored by the Pennsylvania Democrat.

Murtha is one of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s closest allies and one of the leading earmarkers in Congress. Tickets for the “Evening with Jack and Joyce Murtha” dinner cost $1,500 per person. Murtha and cohorts like Rep. James Moran, D-Va., and Rep. Peter Visclosky, D-Ind., have refined the earmark-for-a-contribution process to a fine art. A Roll Call investigation last year found, with assistance from Taxpayers for Common Sense and the Sunlight Foundation, that the three Democrats funneled millions of dollars in earmarks for firms whose executives then contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to their re-election campaigns.

But Murtha’s porkfest is not going unnoticed. Three conservative citizen activist groups and a conservative blog that are active in the anti-earmark Porkbusters movement are gathering protesters, posters and pigs and plan to crash the Murtha pork bash.

RedState.com is the blog that put out the original call for protests. The responding groups are Americans for Prosperity, Citizens Against Government Waste and the National Taxpayers Union.

The protesters are meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the top of the Pentagon City Metrorail station outside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 1250 South Hayes St. in Arlington. Organizers say photographs of attendees will be taken and posted on the Internet.

Public disgust with such blatant congressional corruption is growing and pork-barrel politicos like Murtha and Moran should not be surprised if tonight’s protest is only the first of many more to come until Congress cleans up its act.

Pig snouts optional!

Posted in: John Murtha

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#1

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:31 pm, Barry F. said:

Public disgust with such blatant congressional corruption is growing and pork-barrel politicos like Murtha and Moran should not be surprised if tonight’s protest is only the first of many more to come until Congress cleans up its act.

And, rightly so, more should be coming. Washington needs to clean up its act.
#2

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:32 pm, TMoney said:

Too far to go. I’d love to send a big trough of cracklings up to them. They could surely use some good down-home, freshly fried lard.
#3

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:37 pm, Barry F. said:

What’s the status on William T. Russell and his campaign against Murtha this year in November? Anyone heard?
#4

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:47 pm, Boomer said:

Too bad I live in Idaho that is one party I would love to crash.
#5

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:50 pm, ajmontana said:

Lets just see if they allow these protests to go on as easily as the code stinkos do.
#6

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:59 pm, ACHefty said:

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:50 pm, ajmontana said:

Lets just see if they allow these protests to go on as easily as the code stinkos do.

Holding my breath…
#7

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:02 pm, Barry F. said:

Holding my breath…

I’m afraid you will turn blue and pass out first, AC.
#8

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:02 pm, ajmontana said:

a couple of those big trailer BBQ’s would go nicely parked in front with full piggy’s being Q’ed on em.
#9

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:05 pm, ajmontana said:

The more smoke the better.
bbq pork
#10

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:06 pm, The Raging Republican said:

Rep. John Murtha is hosting a gala dinner tonight

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:02 pm, ajmontana said:

a couple of those big trailer BBQ’s would go nicely parked in front with full piggy’s being Q’ed on em.

Will head cheese be on the menu?
#11

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:07 pm, Boomer said:

Make my BBQ North Carolina Style with the vinegar sauce. Mmmmmmm!
#12

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:11 pm, cpodug said:

In case anybody asks, tell ‘em you’re there to cater the dinner
#13

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:24 pm, graysonret said:

Whatever happened to the ethical Congress that we were supposed to get? Uh, uh…thought so. I see that Rep. Jefferson’s trial has been postponed again. Seems the defense feels that Congressman can say and do anything, and be protected. No wonder Congress hasn’t done anything. They’re too busy stuffing their pockets. Going to call Murtha, the “oink” man.
#14

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:45 pm, Lurker said:

Whoa, that’s actually really close! I work just 1 block from Crystal City’s metro station. I may have to stop by on my way home…
#15

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:56 pm, bit_boy said:

I’ve wondered about approving a border fence without funding. Again, a promise them anything but give them amnesty. So, where does the funding for earmarks come from. Does the sponsor have the authority to just toss an I.O.U. in the Social Security revenue stream or where does it come from. As I understand, the Senate may approve a bill but the House then must approve funding. Are all earmarks from the Senate rubber stamped by the House as being part of the subject bill. If a bill approves the purchase of silk purses and Harry Reid earmarks the purchase of sow ears does the House then approve the purchase of both items as one/same bill.
#16

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:57 pm, ex-expat said:

Rep. Murtha is what he is, but frankly I am uncomfortable. To me it will only draw sympathy for him, put the protesters in a bad light and accomplish very little. Moreover, acting like mooonbats only uncomfortably diminishes the differences between them and us.
#17

On February 27th, 2008 at 3:05 pm, blues said:

John Murtha is the definition of everything that is wrong in Pa. politics.If Olby had a real guage of “the worst person in the world”,Murtha would be at the top of the list every day.The most thoroughly disgusting individual in the U.S.
#18

On February 27th, 2008 at 3:38 pm, ammo john said:

On February 27th, 2008 at 3:05 pm, blues said:
If Olby had a real guage of “the worst person in the world”,Murtha would be at the top of the list every day.The most thoroughly disgusting individual in the U.S.

Murtha or Olby?
#19

On February 27th, 2008 at 3:43 pm, ajmontana said:

lol ammo, how true and throw in a geraldo for the trifecta.
#20

On February 27th, 2008 at 4:10 pm, allrsn said:

I would love to be there with pig ears and snout. But its about 2500 miles too far.
#21

On February 27th, 2008 at 4:42 pm, Alan-of-Vermont said:

Helpless, helpless! That’s how I feel about trying to find a way take control over the way these pigs wheel and deal with our hard earned tax dollars. I was pleased to see mention of organizations like Americans for Prosperity, Citizens Against Government Waste and the National Taxpayers Union. Good luck. It’s a VERY BIG WINDMILL.
#22

On February 27th, 2008 at 5:03 pm, emjem24 said:

Does Murtha know any shame at all? I would love to be a bug on the wall at that protest. I guess with Murtha wherever you find a trough you can usually find pigs. Speaking of piggies… let’s see how Murtha fights these pigs…

I bet his expression/reaction would be priceless.
#23

On February 27th, 2008 at 5:25 pm, pecze said:

William Russel’s name got thrown off of the primary ballot in PA because 2 politicians (Republicans, ironically) challenged the signatures. A judge ruled that he only had 997 valid signatures, 3 short of the 1000 required.

Since there was no one else running, I would hope that the GOP would get him on the ballot for November, but with all of the pork that Murtha funnels to that region, it’s hard to believe those people would give up that cash.
#24

On February 27th, 2008 at 5:27 pm, pecze said:

Hmm…upon closer reading of the article, if 1000 people write Russell’s name on the Primary ballot, and he’s the top vote getter among write-in candidates, then he can claim the GOP nomination to run in the general against Murtha.
#25

On February 27th, 2008 at 5:28 pm, shooter said:

Pig snouts optional!

Well…yeah, for those of us that might wear fake ones.
( Murtha and his swine don’t have any choice)
#26

On February 27th, 2008 at 6:15 pm, Barry F. said:

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:02 pm, ajmontana said:
a couple of those big trailer BBQ’s would go nicely parked in front with full piggy’s being Q’ed on em.

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:05 pm, ajmontana said:
The more smoke the better.
bbq pork

Oh, my, AJ. Think of the carbon footprint. What would The Gorical say? On second thought, if he is in on the feast, you could probably slide it by on one of his double-standards.
#27

On February 27th, 2008 at 6:20 pm, Barry F. said:

On February 27th, 2008 at 5:25 pm, pecze said:
William Russel’s name got thrown off of the primary ballot in PA because 2 politicians (Republicans, ironically) challenged the signatures. A judge ruled that he only had 997 valid signatures, 3 short of the 1000 required.

Since there was no one else running, I would hope that the GOP would get him on the ballot for November, but with all of the pork that Murtha funnels to that region, it’s hard to believe those people would give up that cash.

Let me get this straight. When getting his petition signed to qualify to run, he only got the exact amount of signatures on it that he would need, not allowing any cushion for any that may be disqualified for being ineligible? If that is the case, that was pretty stupid on his part. He sounded a lot more insightful than that. *sigh*
#28

On February 27th, 2008 at 6:20 pm, JoAnn in VA said:

Bother, Wednesday is Bible study night or I would be up there so fast….
#29

On February 27th, 2008 at 6:22 pm, orlandocajun said:

A little off the subject, but I just read that the House approved 18billion in new taxes for oil companies.

So, how do you raise taxes on Americans without most of them even knowing it? You tax the evil oil companies, who then add that tax to a gallon of gasoline. Presto! Americans get an $18billion tax and don’t even know it. To the contrary, those evil oil companies raised their prices on the poor folks.

Go ahead and keep re-electing guys like Murtha people. That sensation you feel up your arse, is Congress screwing you again without you even knowing it.
#30

On February 27th, 2008 at 6:41 pm, corona said:

Russell is finished before he began.
#31

On February 27th, 2008 at 7:07 pm, blues said:

ammo and AJ–o.k. I guess it is a toss-up.
#32

On February 27th, 2008 at 7:33 pm, pecze said:

Let me get this straight. When getting his petition signed to qualify to run, he only got the exact amount of signatures on it that he would need, not allowing any cushion for any that may be disqualified for being ineligible? If that is the case, that was pretty stupid on his part. He sounded a lot more insightful than that. *sigh*

I did some more searching, and found this article. Apparently, Murtha challenged 180 signatures. So, he had about an 18% cushion.

Being from Johnstown, I know that Russell doesn’t really have a chance against Murtha. Murtha is practially a god there — mostly because of all of the pork he sends that area.

But, I would really like to see someone give Murtha a run for his money.
#33

On February 28th, 2008 at 6:07 am, graysonret said:

With all the “victim” programs, increased taxes, and Murtha’s pork, I guess the days of working for myself and family are now gone. I now go to work, this morning, to work for all the people who feel they are entitled to my money, supported by Congress. Hopefully, there will be something left, however little…perhaps a “happy meal” at McDonalds.
#34

On February 28th, 2008 at 7:47 am, Barry F. said:

On February 27th, 2008 at 7:33 pm, pecze said:

I did some more searching, and found this article. Apparently, Murtha challenged 180 signatures. So, he had about an 18% cushion.

Being from Johnstown, I know that Russell doesn’t really have a chance against Murtha. Murtha is practially a god there — mostly because of all of the pork he sends that area.

But, I would really like to see someone give Murtha a run for his money.

Were Zucco and McKelvey planning to run too for the Republican nomination or are they just RINO’s in Murtha’s hip-pocket doing his dirty work for him, pecze?
#35

On February 28th, 2008 at 8:15 am, pecze said:

I don’t think they planned to run. I think they realize how much money that area will lose if Murtha isn’t in office to bring all the pork.

If Murtha’s not in office, then there isn’t anyone fighting to keep the NDIC open or pushing lucrative contracts to the likes of CTC.

Unfortunately, money trumps policy.
#36

On February 28th, 2008 at 8:21 am, Barry F. said:

On February 28th, 2008 at 8:15 am, pecze said:

I don’t think they planned to run. I think they realize how much money that area will lose if Murtha isn’t in office to bring all the pork.

If Murtha’s not in office, then there isn’t anyone fighting to keep the NDIC open or pushing lucrative contracts to the likes of CTC.

Unfortunately, money trumps policy.

Ah. Politics at its best. I would suspect that Zucco, etc. also benefit from being able to point to the wonderful jobs brought into the area by Murtha’s pork projects as an accomplishment for the mayor’s administration too.
#37

On February 29th, 2008 at 12:08 pm, novaculus said:

Anybody have any links to stories on the protest?

A side note: In areas dominated by one party it is not uncommon for straw men, members of the other party in name only, to be used by the majority party for any number of purposes. For example, many boards and commissions require members be selected from both major parties. Straw men controlling the minority party cut deals with the majority party leadership, typically doing their bidding (for example, naming majority party sympathizers as the minority party members to such boards and commissions) in return for some other political/financial favors (such as giving political plum jobs to the straw men or their associates and family members). My bet is that these two “Republicans” (Zucco & McKelvey?) are stealth Democrats. And I bet this fact is well known in the district.