Feb. 8 (Bloomberg) -- John Murtha , a former Marine drill instructor turned congressman who unapologetically wielded his power to benefit his Pennsylvania district, died today. He was 77.

Leaders from Pennsylvania and elsewhere react to Monday's death of U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa.: — "Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's first choice for majority leader, Pennsylvania Rep. John C. Murtha, died today of complications relating to a gallbladder surgery. Murtha was 77.

Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran ...

HARRISBURG, Pa.—Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell says he will decide in the coming days when to schedule a special election to replace U.S. Rep. Jack Murtha.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Rep. John Murtha, the tall, gruff-mannered former Marine who became the de facto voice of veterans on Capitol Hill and later an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq War, died Monday. He was 77. The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering from complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., with his family at his ...

Rep. Murtha, the first Vietnam veteran to serve in Congress, called in 2005 for an immediate pullout of U.S. forces from Iraq. He also delivered billions in federal dollars to his home state. John Murtha, the Democratic congressman from Pennsylvania and decorated former Marine whose fierce opposition to the Iraq war helped catalyze public sentiment against the conflict, died Monday. He was 77.

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John Murtha died Monday.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Rep. John Murtha, a retired Marine Corps officer who became the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress and later an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq War, died Monday. He was 77. The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said ...

Rep. Murtha, the first Vietnam veteran to serve in Congress, called in 2005 for an immediate pullout of U.S. forces from Iraq. He also delivered billions in federal dollars to his home state. John Murtha, the Democratic congressman from Pennsylvania and decorated former Marine whose fierce opposition to the Iraq war helped catalyze public sentiment against the conflict, died Monday. He was 77.