John Murtha Takes Back 'Racist' Western Pa. RemarkStill Thinks Barack Obama Will Win State, Become PresidentPOSTED: 7:43 am EDT October 16,
2008 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha is backing off a previous comment that his "racist" home base of western Pennsylvania could reduce Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's victory margin in the state by 4 percentage points.Murtha, the 17-term Democratic congressman, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in a story posted Wednesday on post-gazette.com: "There is no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area."In a separate interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review posted Wednesday on pghtrib.com, Murtha did not use the word "racist," but he did tell the Trib that voters' racial attitudes in western Pennsylvania could trim Obama's margin in the Nov. 4 presidential election."I think it's unprofessional. You're a politician. To say a group of people is racist, it's uncalled for," said voter Kevin Swinton.On Thursday morning, Murtha's office released a statement saying, "I apologize for making the comment that 'Western Pennsylvania is a racist area.' While we cannot deny that race is a factor in this election, I believe we've been able to look beyond race these past few months, and that voters today are concerned with the policy differences of our two candidates and their vision for the future of our great country."Sen. Obama has shown sound judgment and has presented us with a change from the failed policies of George Bush and John McCain. I believe he will win both Pennsylvania and the White House."Western Pennsylvania is a key working-class battleground in the state. The region is struggling economically, with a high percentage of veterans and elderly voters, and Murtha's district encompasses Johnstown and many small towns outside Pittsburgh that were once dominated by steel and coal.Murtha, who backed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the state's April primary, told the Post-Gazette that the older population has been "more hesitant" to support Obama. But in the past three months, he said groups he deals with regularly, such as veterans and senior citizens, have decided to back Obama.Murtha said Obama's opponent, Republican Sen. John McCain, has been stymied by the economy and the attacks on Obama's character.He told the Tribune-Review, however, that he sees no enthusiasm for either candidate in his district."The public is confused, they're despondent, they're unhappy. They want to see a change and I think the change is whatever the individual might believe it is," he said.In February, Gov. Ed Rendell -- another Clinton backer -- told the Post-Gazette's editorial board that some whites in the state were likely to vote against Obama in the Pennsylvania primary because of his race. Clinton easily won that contest.The most recent Quinnipiac University poll shows Obama with a double-digit lead after surveys a few weeks ago indicated the race was close. Quinnipiac pollster Clay Richards has said growing support among working-class voters in the state was behind the change.Democratic leaders in Allegheny County say in the end, people will vote their pocketbooks."I really believe that the economy is going to be such an overwhelming issue that race will not play a factor," said Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. Related Links:
Copyright 2008 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
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