Former Murtha opponent alleges he was threatened

Rep. Jack Murtha’s (D-Pa.) former Republican opponent claimed an aide to Murtha threatened to have him recalled into active duty in the military during the campaign.

Bill Russell, the former Army reservist who gave Murtha a scare in the fall campaign’s closing days, accused Murtha aide John Hugya of threatening to have him recalled into the military.

Spokesmen for Murtha have denied the allegations in numerous reports this afternoon.

If Russell were in active duty, he could have faced a court martial for campaigning while in the military.

The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat first reported Russell’s claims, quoting from a letter he sent to voters.