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The Murtha Name: A License to Pick the Taxpayer's Pocket

By Doug Bandow on 5.12.09 @ 4:13AM

It's nice when your uncle is a powerful member of Congress.  Money just seems to magically flow into your bank account.  Reports the Washington Post:

Robert C. Murtha Jr. has made a sizable living for years working with companies that rely on Pentagon contracts over which his uncle, Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.), holds considerable sway.

He has maintained that his uncle played no role in his defense-related work, much of it secured without competition. Newly obtained documents, however, show Robert Murtha mentioning his influential family connection as leverage in his business dealings and holding unusual power with the military. The documents add to mounting questions about Rep. Murtha, whose use of federal earmarks to help favored defense companies and whose relationship with a former lobbying firm are under scrutiny by federal investigators.

The congressman has used his control over Pentagon funds to build a hub of defense-related industry in his congressional district and has also received generous campaign donations from the companies.

Robert Murtha, an engineer, benefited from some of the defense contracts when companies brought him in to manage a small portion of the work. Even when the main contract shifted to a new company, he continued to be paid as part of the team. Some former business associates and employees told The Washington Post that they thought the role played by Robert Murtha's companies was unnecessary.

The younger Murtha is shocked, shocked by people's suspicions.  According to the Post:  "Robert Murtha, 49, recently told The Post that it is "unfortunate" that some will assume his family ties led to government contracts."

Well, I'm sure it is just a coincidence.  It could happen to anyone ... named Murtha.