Political watchdog groups are asking the House Ethics Committee to conduct an investigation of 12th District Rep. John Murtha.

WJAC first broke the story on Thursday. On Friday, two of Murtha's constitutes spoke out in the congressman's defense.

Bob Layo, of the Cambria County Chamber of Commerce, and Linda Thomson, of Johnstown Area Regional Industries, wrote a letter expressing why Murtha is helping the region. The letter states that over the past 25 years, all of the investments made were necessary and vital to the region's survival.

The watchdog group is demanding an investigation into Murtha's earmarks to the area, including the Johnstown-Cambria County Airport.

Critics contend not enough people use ht airport and the tens of millions of federal dollars Murtha has secured for it is going to waste.

Some local people said they agree and think the airport is only helping major defense contractors that Murtha brought to the area, not the typical person or small business.

Others disagreed and said they believe the airport is good for the area.

"It's incentive for new business to come in," said Lynn Thomas, of Somerset County. "(Murtha) is doing our job for us."

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