Oct 16, 2008 1:30 pm US/Central
Murtha Apologizes For Calling Pennsylvania Racist
WASHINGTON (AP) ―
-
-
Rep. John Murth, (D-PA) said in an interview published Oct. 15, 2008, that it has taken time for many Pennsylvania voters to come around to embracing a black presidential candidate, but that Obama should still win the state. (File)
CBS
Poll
Who will win Wednesday's debate?
You need the latest Flash player to view our Poll.
Click here to download.
Click here to
bypass this detection if you already
have the latest Flash Player.
Democratic Rep. John Murtha apologized Thursday for saying his home base of western Pennsylvania is racist in talking about Barack Obama's prospects for winning the state.
In a statement issued by his office, the 17-term congressman said: "I apologize for making the comment that western Pennsylvania is a racist area."
Murtha also said, "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."
Murtha said in an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette posted Wednesday on its Web site that, "There is no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area." He also said it has taken time for many Pennsylvania voters to come around to embracing a black presidential candidate, but that Obama should still win the state, though not in a runaway.
In a separate interview posted the same day on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Web site, Murtha said Obama has a problem with voters' racial attitudes in western Pennsylvania that could trim his winning margin on Nov. 4.
Murtha was criticized by Republicans who said race wasn't the reason why some voters don't like Obama.
Western Pennsylvania is a struggling region once dominated by the coal and steel industries that is home to working-class voters both presidential candidates have sought to win over.
In the statement issued Thursday, Murtha also said that, "Senator 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."
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Campaign '08 Complete Coverage
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
