Murtha Remains Hospitalized; Marks 36th Anniversary In U.S. House

Rep. John Murtha remains hospitalized in intensive care in stable condition after he suffered complications related to gallbladder surgery.

A spokesman for Murtha said the 77-year-old Pennsylvania congressman underwent scheduled surgery last week and is at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. The spokesman would not provide any other details about Murtha's health.

Friday marked a milestone for Murtha: 36 years ago, he began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. That gives Murtha 13,149 consecutive days of service, tying the record held by former Rep. Joseph McDade. On Saturday, Murtha will become the longest-serving representative in Pennsylvania's history.

MESSAGE BOARD: Send Your Get Well Wishes To Congressman Murtha

The 19-term Democrat was the first Vietnam veteran to serve in Congress. He currently leads House Appropriations subcommittee on defense spending. Murtha has been a representative for Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District since 1974.

Earlier in the week, the Washington Post cited Democratic sources who said Murtha was in grave condition Sunday night but has been improving since. The newspaper story also reported Murtha had developed a serious infection related to his surgery but said he has been responding to antibiotics.

According to the political publication Politico, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said earlier in the week she thinks Murtha's condition is serious but under control. Pelosi, a close friend with Murtha, said Murtha has a long road to recovery and his illness could keep him sidelined until after the President's Day recess.

Some local people said they wonder if Murtha's illness will force him to bow out of this year's election. If that happens, some constituents said they're concerned about what will happen to the region because of the vast amount of federal money that flows through the area to contractors.

Ray Wrabley, a political science professor at University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown, said he thinks industries will survive without Murtha's help, but it's something that people need to prepare for.

"Those are the kind of things we have to think about. … Can (we) survive without the constant infusion of federal tax dollars?" Wrabley said.

Murtha was also hospitalized in December with gallbladder problems.

Stay with WJACTV.com and WJAC-TV News for continuing coverage as details become available.