Add Congressman John Murtha to the small list of Democrats in tight races this election. In his 17 previous races, Murtha has usually won by comfortable margins.

Murtha’s insults to his constituents has turned another easy victory into a close race with Republican William Russell. Recent polls give Murtha a narrow five-point lead.

Murtha got himself into trouble when he said, “there’s no question Western Pennsylvania is a racist area.”

Then he attempted to apologize but only added to his predicament when he said, “this whole area, years ago, was really redneck.”

It is generally not a good idea to call your constituents racists, then apologize by calling them rednecks, especially when the election is a few short weeks away.

These problems come on the heels of Murtha’s outspoken opposition to the Iraq War in 2005. In many places that would be a plus. However, Murtha’s southwestern Pennsylvania district has the highest percentage of veterans in the state.

Murtha also made a controversial statement accusing Marines of killing innocent civilians at Haditha.

All of this has contributed to a powerful and entrenched Congressman facing an unexpectedly tough race.