by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright Nov. 16, 2006
All Rights Reserved.

pting for loyalty over common sense, incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) miscalculated on her first major decision, endorsing longtime friend Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Penn.) for House Minority Leader. Pelosi and Murtha are joined at the hip in their opposition to the Iraq war. Republicans were giddy over Pelosi's pick after she promised to “clean up the House,” a reference to GOP scandals that swept Democrats into power. Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh prayed Democrats would pick Murtha, demonstrating, if nothing else, tone deafness to political corruption. Promising a new era of ethics, Pelosi picked a man who was implicated in the FBI's 1980 Abscam sting operation in which several members of Congress were enticed to take bribes. Murtha, while not charged, was caught on tape refusing to accept a $50,000 bribe but appearing to leave the door open.

      Pelosi resisted supporting 67-year-old, 13-term Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) with whom she harbors some bitter feelings, after she beat him out for House Minority Leader after the 2000 election. Mixed feelings should eclipse sound judgment, especially knowing Murtha's involvement in the Abscam scandal would give Republicans red meat heading into the 2008 presidential elections. “She's a very smart woman who made an error in judgment,” said Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), slated to become chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. Frank understood the disastrous political consequences of handing Murtha the No. 2 leadership position. Pelsoi's miscalculation exposed rifts inside the Democratic Party, where Hoyer beat Murtha 149-86, demonstrating the wisdom of keeping Murtha from tainting Democrats before the '08 elections.

      Murtha, a powerful 74-year-old congressman with strong defense industry ties, personifies pay-to-play politics, something Pelosi promised to fix. Pelosi's blind-spot leaves her vulnerable to poor decision-making. Picking Murtha would have created the perfect storm for Republicans making the best case for ridding the congress of Democrats in '08. “Steny was more where the mainstream of where the party was,” said Rep. Frank, reflecting on Hoyer's victory, ignoring how Murtha was the Party's worst nightmare, giving fuel to right wing commentators around the country. Pelosi ccould have spared herself and the Party embarrassment by consulting with rank-and-file Democrats befored throwing her support Murtha. Many thought that Murtha represented mainstream voters who decided to send President George W. Bush a loud message about Iraq on Election Day.

      Feasting on Democratic squabbles, the GOP seized the chance to highlight hypocrisy in the wake of Nov. 7. When Murtha vied for minority leader, conservative pundits had a field day playing the 25-year-old tape of secret FBI Abscam interview. “I'm not interested . . . at this point,” Murtha told secret FBI agents, refusing the $50,000 bribe. “At this point,” is what led a grand jury to almost indict Murtha. Though he was cleared by the House Ethic's Committee, Murtha's involvement left him radioactive for future leadership positions. Pelosi should have told Murtha face-to-face that past circumstances precluded him from a leadership role. Instead, Pelosi dragged the Party through its first wasteful controversy. “It's four days that we haven't talked about our message and built on the euphoria,” said Rep. Eileen O. Tauscher (D-Calf.), concerned about Pelosi's bad PR.

      Democrats picked Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) as majority whip, the third ranking House position. Also leaving Murtha high-and-dry, they picked Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) to chair of the Democratic caucus, the fourth ranked position in the House, rewarding him for his stunning success adding 29 seats Nov. 7. While Murtha rolled the dice for the No. 2 position, he could have been considered for either of these two positions. Murtha, the tough-talking ex-Marine and most vociferous opponent of the Iraq war, was bypassed because of his longstanding pay-to-play deal-making and his association with Abscam. Pelosi showed myopic judgment placing personal loyalty over the good of the Party. In the frenzied run-up to the next presidential election, Pelosi can't make more wrong moves. She must think long-range about what she can do return her Party to the Oval Office.

      Pelosi's miscue stems from avoiding consultation and allowing a fiercely independent streak to eclipse her best judgment. Playing minority leader is a different ballgame than the media scrutiny that comes with her new job. Future decisions must be in concert with PR and damage control experts, hopefully intercepting problems before they occur. “I can't believe they are self-destructing before they even get started,” said Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), admitting, “everyone on our side is giddy.” Republicans wait with baited breath for Pelosi and the Democratic leadership to stumble. Democrats showed better wisdom picking the less controversial, 67-year-old Hoyer to serve as House Majority Leader. Pelosi's instincts showed that she must temper her heart with analytical thinking. More advice-and-consent from her colleagues should preempt future problems.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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