The Good "John Murtha"

Forced double-take when I saw this news.

Baldwin small business owner John Murtha announced his intent to seek the Republican nomination for the 29th Assembly District position being vacated by state Rep. Andy Lamb.

"The people of this area have been so good to me and my family, and I see this as an opportunity to give back to the people of St. Croix, Dunn and Pierce counties," said Murtha, a fourth-generation area resident. "I had never set out to get involved in politics, but my life experiences have led me here and it would be an honor to serve as our next state representative."

Murtha and his wife Terrie have been married for 32 years and have four children. A small businessman for 25 years, he owns Murtha Sanitation, which provides roll off sanitation boxes to area businesses, homes, contractors and farms.

Murtha is chairman of the town of Eau Galle. He's perhaps best known for his band "John and Dave, With Trigger Happy," which has played in communities throughout the area for many years.

He is also involved with the Baldwin-Woodville summer recreation league as a volunteer softball coach and serves as secretary on the finance committee for the United Fire and Rescue District in Hammond, Baldwin and Woodville. Murtha is a member of the Knights of Columbus and describes himself as "pro-life."

He said he will put his experience as a small business owner to work both as a candidate and a legislator. He plans to focus his campaign on tax relief, job creation and affordable health care for working families.

Best of luck out there sir.

May enough Democrats be fooled into voting you simply by your name alone.