Murtha bogus campaign contributions questioned

February 12, 8:44 AMWatchdog Politics ExaminerMartha R Gore

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Representative John P. Murtha (D-PA) who is better known for his stand against the Iraq War and speeches about bringing the troops home, is now being scrutinized by Federal prosecutors for taking bogus campaign contributions.  The investigation concerns a prominent lobbyist who may have funneled the funds to Murtha.  Two other lawmakers may also be questioned about the same issue.

 As reported by the New York Times (02/11/2009), a firm founded by lobbyists, the PMA Group headed by Paul Magliocchetti, has given more than $1 million to politicians during the last three election cycles. The Times information is based on research done by the watchdog group, the Center for Responsive Politics.

 Congressmen being investigated about  contributions from PMA: 

• Representative John P. Murtha, Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Committee.
• Representative James P. Morgan (D-Virginia)
• Representative Peter J. Visclosky (D-Indiana)

 According to another watchdog group, Taxpayers for Common Sense (TCS) that tracks earmarks, the three men are said to be close allies on the committee. TCS reports that  the lawmakers earmarked more than $100 million in defense spending for PMA clients in appropriation bills in 2008.

 Murtha's connection to PMA is known to be through Maglioccetti, who was a top aide to him.  Former top aides to Rep. Moran and Visclosky also worked for the firm. The Capital newspaper, Roll Call,  noted that during the last two weeks before the 2008 election, PMA executives and clients in the defense industry gave Murtha more than $100,000.

The PMA group offices were raided by the federal investigators and now the lobbyist firm is said to be on the point of financial collapse. Their former lobbyists are opening a new shop to be called Flagship Government Relations. Others are trying to find new firms for their defense clients.

 As more corruption is exposed among long-time members of Congress, such as that of Rangel, who is being currently being protected by the House Ethics Committee, the watchdog groups may be digging even deeper into the relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers. Stay tuned.