Report: Murtha nephew used connections

WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- Defense contractor Robert Murtha Jr., contrary to denials, has mentioned his powerful uncle, U.S. Rep. John Murtha, in business dealings, documents indicate.

Robert Murtha, an engineer and owner of Murtech Inc., of Glen Burnie, Md., has in the past denied he has used his family ties to John Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of the House of Representatives appropriations subcommittee that doles out defense spending funds, to benefit himself. But e-mail and other documents obtained by The Washington Post appear to contradict those assertions, the newspaper said Tuesday.

The Post said the documents show Robert Murtha mentioned his family connections in his business dealings, adding to questions about whether John Murtha has used his power over federal earmarks to help favored contractors. John Murtha's relationship with a former lobbying firm is under investigation by federal authorities, the newspaper noted.

In one 2001 e-mail message obtained by the Post, Robert Murtha tells a colleague that federal work must be channeled to Johnstown, Pa., John Murtha's hometown, and was a condition for "keeping funds flowing."

The newspaper said Robert Murtha didn't respond to requests for comment, while John Murtha's office requested written questions but didn't respond to them.