WASHINGTON, May 2 (UPI) -- The naming of a nephew of U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., to a congressional lobbying position is raising eyebrows, The New York Times reported Saturday.
The newspaper said Marine Corps Col. Brian Murtha was appointed to a legislative liaison position with the service, which may bring him into official contact with his uncle, the chairman of the House military spending subcommittee and a decorated former Marine.
The Times said the situation doesn't appear to violate any rules or ethics guidelines, but noted other Murtha family members have also benefited from the congressman's position. He reportedly earmarked millions of dollars to an institution in his district, St. Vincent College, while his cousin, the Rev. John F. Murtha, was its president.
Meanwhile, he also sent millions more in earmarks to clients of a consulting firm whose lobbyist was his younger brother, Robert Murtha, known as Kit, the Times said.
Matthew Mazonkey, a spokesman for Murtha, told the newspaper Col. Brian Murtha's appointment to the legislative liaison position wouldn't influence the congressman's decisions.
