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.
