Reply #12: Cleland's appearance on Maher is mentioned in this press release [View All]

[ProSense]

Cleland Vows Support for Murtha, Announces Rally and Fundraising Effort
Sat Aug 26, 12:02 AM ET

To: National Desk, Political Reporter

Contact: Ed Mitchell of Murtha for Congress, 570-826-6115 or [e-mail]

JOHNSTOWN, Pa., Aug. 25 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Murtha for Congress Committee said that former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland (D-Ga.) announced last night he's leading a large-scale effort among his veteran brothers to support U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha (news, bio, voting record) (D-Pa.), who is coming under attack from "radical right-wing forces in the veterans' community" aimed at "swift-boating Murtha, like they did former Democratic nominee for president Sen. John Kerry."

On the Bill Maher Show on HBO, Friday, Cleland said that he'd spearhead an effort through the Murtha for Congress Committee to raise funds for Murtha to "fight back." He also announced the organization of a major rally in Murtha's home district in western Pennsylvania on Sept. 30 where veterans from across the country will gather in Johnstown, Pa. to show their "solidarity" with Murtha's "courageous stand against this unnecessary war in Iraq."

"During his 37 years serving in the United States Marine Corps, Jack Murtha led his brothers in arms with integrity and honor," Cleland said. He continued, "Semper Fi is not a slogan to Jack Murtha, it's a way of life - in uniform and in the halls of Congress where he's put the full force of his unyielding support of our military into real leadership for our troops and military families for over three decades in Washington. There's a reason why Congressman Murtha is one of our most trusted voices on national security and America's standing in the world - he speaks his mind, he speaks his heart, and he's willing to speak truth to power."

The rally will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006 at 11 a.m. in Central Park in Johnstown, Pa. Cleland said he expects veterans from all over America to make the journey "to support Murtha in an unprecedented show of unity against the war."

Cleland said his efforts also would include fundraising efforts in the veterans' community to raise funds to combat the "lies and deceit of a few radical supporters of President Bush on the war."

Cleland concluded: "Let's speak out against the smears and lies against Congressman Murtha. Let's stand with our brother who has stood with us. This is our call to arms. We're a little bit older, we're a little bit grayer, but we veterans still know how to fight for our country."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20060826/pl_usnw/cleland_vows_support_for_murtha__announces_rally_and_fundraising_effort102_xml

I love Max Cleland!