Rep. John Murtha Dead at 77 - Updated

Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) has died from complications of gallbladder surgery.

Born in 1932, Murtha was first elected to Congress in 1974 and served 19 terms, becoming known as the "King of Pork." He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Korea and Vietnam.

Murtha is survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons and three grandchildren. He was 77.

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Rep. Murtha in Intensive Care
[Previous 2/2/10 post]
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Rep. John Murtha has been hospitalized in intensive care stemming from complications related to gallbladder surgery.

Spokesman Matt Mazonkey said the 77-year-old Pennsylvania congressman underwent scheduled surgery last week and is currently at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington.

Murtha was also hospitalized in December with gallbladder problems.

The 19-term Democrat was the first Vietnam veteran to serve in Congress. He currently leads House Appropriations subcommittee on defense spending.

Interestingly, Murtha was elected to Congress about the same time that President Nixon resigned.