President Barack Obama says he was saddened to hear of the death of Rep. John Murtha and called his fellow Democrat a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years.
Obama on Monday called Murtha a devoted husband and a loving father who had a "tough-as-nails" reputation. The president says Murtha's passion for service was born during his military career and carried over to his congressional service.
Obama says Murtha was a respected voice on issues of national security.
Murtha died Monday at the age of 77.
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