The widow of Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, who declined an opportunity to run in his place, wrote a letter to DCCC supporters urging them to donate to Democrat Mark Critz's campaign with the goal of raising $25,000 in 48 hours for the campaign's final stretch before the May 18 primary. Joyce Murtha, an honorary chair of Critz's campaign, writes that the former district director for her late husband would continue his legacy:

"Jack spent his life standing up and speaking out for the people of Pennsylvania, our men and women in uniform, and the nation that he loved. While nobody can ever truly fill his shoes, with your support, we can at least ensure that a great leader like Mark Critz follows in his footsteps to Congress."

Full letter, dated May 4, is below the jump and on the DCCC Web site -- with plenty of handy links to fork over your credit card info.

 

Friend --

In 2005, my husband, Congressman Jack Murtha, courageously spoke out against the war in Iraq and you stood with him when he was outrageously accused of cutting and running.

As a former Marine, Jack spoke from his experience in combat and his study of history. The courage he showed against the Bush Administration changed the course of history.

It is bittersweet to write this e-mail so soon after Jack's passing. While nobody can ever fill Jack's shoes, I am heartened to see Mark Critz, Jack's former Director for Economic Development, running for the seat my husband proudly held for 36 years.

With the polls neck and neck heading into the final stretch, I am asking for your support so Mark can win this race and continue the progress that my husband devoted his life to achieving. Mark needs your help in the next 48 hours to raise $25,000 so he can remain strong heading into the campaign's final stretch.

Please contribute today to help Mark Critz continue Jack's fight to bring jobs and economic recovery to Western Pennsylvania and our entire nation.

I have known Mark Critz for years. I saw him work alongside Jack to bring jobs to our region and progress for our nation. He will continue that work as their next Representative in Congress.

I would not be asking for your help if it weren't critically important. Considering how strongly Jack spoke out against the Iraq war and other misguided policies from the past, the Republicans are putting everything they have into trying to win this seat.

But just as Jack was never one to back down from a tough fight, we need to work as hard as we can to ensure that Mark Critz takes the baton from Jack in representing this great district.

Please contribute today to help Mark Critz continue Jack's fight to bring jobs and economic recovery to Western Pennsylvania and our entire nation. Mark needs your help in the next 48 hours so he can remain strong heading into the campaign's final stretch.

Jack spent his life standing up and speaking out for the people of Pennsylvania, our men and women in uniform, and the nation that he loved. While nobody can ever truly fill his shoes, with your support, we can at least ensure that a great leader like Mark Critz follows in his footsteps to Congress.

Thank you,

Joyce Murtha

P.S. Considering how strongly my husband spoke out against the Iraq war and other misguided policies from the past, the Republicans are putting everything they have into trying to win this seat. With the polls neck and neck heading into the final stretch, your support will make the difference. Please contribute in the next 48 hours so Mark Critz can continue Jack's fight for jobs and economic recovery on behalf of Pennsylvania and our entire nation.