Bump and Elect Diana Irey --- Donate Today!
Posted on 09/30/2006 12:48:25 AM PDT by smoothsailing
City preparing for rallies: Murtha fans, foes gathering
BY KECIA BAL
The Tribune-Democrat
— While organizers of two outspoken veterans' groups were preparing for opposing rallies this weekend, city officials said they, too, were getting ready for the thousands who may show.
The debate over U.S. Rep. John Murtha's war stance has, at least in part, sparked a rally to support the veteran congressman today, on the eve of a rally organized by critics of the now high-profile Democrat.
City Manager Curt Davis said extra police and firefighters will be on duty today.
"We're probably going to see at least 1,000 (rally attendees)," Davis said. "As it grows, we'll adjust accordingly."
The group also arranged for free parking at two city parking garages, the Lincoln Street Garage and one on Vine Street near the Pasquerilla Conference Center. Parking at the Washington Street and Main Street East garages is free.
"We've been inundated with support," said Michael Duga, spokesman for Veterans for Murtha.
The rally begins at 11 a.m. today at Central Park. City workers plan to block off Gazebo Place and Locust Street from Franklin Street to Gazebo Place.
Bagged meters around Central Park will reserve spots for handicapped drivers.
To bring in Somerset County supporters, the county's Democratic committee is arranging for free bus pick-ups at three locations: The upper parking lot of Somerset Builders' Surplus, departing at 9 a.m.; the Jerome exit off of Route 219, departing between 9:20 and 9:30 a.m.; and the Davidsville exit off of Route 219, departing between 9:40 and 9:50 a.m.
"We want to bring in a good representation from Somerset County," said John P. Vatavuk, chairman of the Somerset County Democratic Committee.
Majority leader?
Meanwhile in Washington, Murtha said Friday he has started campaigning again for the position of House majority leader if the Democrats oust the Republicans from power in November.
In June, Murtha – the leading voice for pulling troops out of Iraq – agreed to suspend his campaign for the position out of concern that it could divert from the party's ability to gain the 15 seats it would need to take control of the House.
"I think we need a presence. We need somebody that knows something about defense and we need a leadership team that will work together," Murtha was quoted by The Associated Press.
Murtha's decision to seek the position put him on a possible collision course with Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., second-in-command to Democratic Party Leader Nancy Pelosi.
Hoyer's press secretary told the AP he had no comment on Murtha's statement and referred to previous statements he has made about his first focus being on winning a majority in the House.
Murtha has spent the past several weeks traveling the country raising money for Democrats.
Rallying troops
Extra public works employees will be on hand for cleanup after today's event – all at the expense of the group organizing the event, Veterans for Murtha.
Though Duga said a support rally has been in the plans for some time, featured speakers and many veterans are infuriated by the attacks launched against Murtha, a decorated Vietnam veteran.
Murtha entered the national spotlight for his criticism of the Iraq war and with his calls for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.
A "Boot Murtha" event is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena. The events start tonight with a social at the arena at 7.
Event co-chairman and Iraq veteran Craig Minnick of Johnstown said much of the work begins today.
"We're putting the finishing touches on everything," he said, adding that he's uncomfortable estimating how many veterans and "Boot Murtha" activists may attend.
"There will be people from around the country," he said. "We're quite happy with the response we've seen so far."
Though the national group Vets for Truth has promoted the rally, Minnick said the momentum came from locals who are angry about what they see as attacks on the U.S. troops.
"This is really a local effort," Minnick said.
Vets for Truth President Larry Bailey said the group plans no counter rally for today's event.
"We don't do that sort of thing," he said.
Copyright © 1999-2006 cnhi, inc.
If this is anything but a prop up the old fool stunt, somebody tell me why Murtha and his toadies would even bother with having a rally for him in Johnstown.
I thought he owned that town.
I mean, come on, you know?
Bump and Elect Diana Irey --- Donate Today!
If it wasn't suspended in the air, I'd politely and reverently request a picture of ya'll pretending it had Fonda Urinal Targets plastered on it.
Godspeed! and God Bless you all.
Simple test for the residents of this district:
Which one does murtha support:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1711095/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1711090/posts
Good Luck and tell Murtha where he can go!!
You all have safe trips up and back.
The Trooprally's
Whether we will for Boot Murtha on Sunday remains to be seen. I'm hopeful given Quinn & Rose's support and involvement.
I'm decidedly pessimistic given the pathetic amount of interest shown on FR.
Reminder: Tomorrow's rally is indoors, so rain won't matter.
Some? Try "vast majority."
My post up above distinctly identifies that this isn't just about Free Republic, which is why I still hold out hope.
Right, it is raining right now, lightly, but raining still and expected to continue. I saw that Irey is having a press conf at her Johnstown office within the hour. It is about the newly released Abscam tapes. I'll slip around the corner to see this, but I have to find an unbrella!!
Hey coop, I'm here, when you coming?
I'm getting to the arena late tomorrow morning to help in setting up (or whatever else Larry needs).
PING!
Weekend of the Rally's.
BTTT
I think it indicates which side of the fence they are on.
Then again, what would you expect?
GO IREY!!!
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