The Break/TWD Condolences For 2/8/10: John Murtha Has Passed At 77

A somber day in Washington, as news has broken that John Murtha has passed away.

One of the more prominent figures on the Hill in the last score, the veritable figure has passed away in part because of a complication of his gallbladder in surgery.

Murtha's most prominent moment came when he switched his staunch of support for invading Iraq to criticizing the Bush Administration's handing of the technically illegal war in 2006.

TWD will have more stuff on John Murtha later on. Condolences to his family, friends, and his closest allies.

Update: A wonderful bio from his office staff. It is really touching.

And David Obey's words:

Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) was also quick to issue a brief statement of praise and condolence. Murtha, Obey said, was so effective on defense issues because “he understood the misery of war.”

“Every person who serves in the military has lost an advocate and a good friend today,” Obey added.