The Man Who Could Topple Jack Murtha

by Michelle Malkin - July 23rd, 2008 Townhall.com

The 18-term congressman's challenger, staunch conservative Republican newcomer William Russell, raised nearly $670,000 in the second fundraising quarter. Earmark king Murtha scraped together a measly $119,000. Russell's underdog campaign bested Murtha without the perks of incumbency, national name recognition, big PAC donations or mainstream media support.

Even more amazing: The 45-year-old Russell, a Desert Storm veteran, former Army lieutenant colonel and Army reservist who survived the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, was not even publicly campaigning during the quarter. He is on active duty with the Army until after Aug. 1 and is barred from actively campaigning until then.

Everything that I have heard about William Russell says he is like the impressive Will Breazeale here in North Carolina, another veteran who is running for congress. We are at war. We are at war with the most complex enemy we have ever faced, since it is not a nation, it is a movement. Most people do not understand war against a movement since it is something we have never faced before. There are a large number of veterans of this war who will be coming home and getting involved in helping America understand what is at stake. The most impressive talent they bring to this battle is courage to do and say the right thing, along with a pride in the willingness of some citizens to risk their lives for our freedom. Their involvement will change everything.

Remember those names; William Russell and Will Breazeale. You will be hearing from them a lot in the future.