[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/21/art.murtha.gi.jpg caption="John Murtha wants citizens to vote on the issues."]

FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:

Democratic Congressman John Murtha from Pennsylvania is challenging Republican Governor Sarah Palin for who can say the stupidest things on the campaign trail.

You may remember about a week ago Murtha called some of his constituents in western Pennsylvania "racist," and said many would not vote for Barack Obama. He later apologized. Rule of holes: When you're in one, stop digging. Murtha tried to further explain his comments yesterday. Big mistake. He told a Pittsburgh TV station that until five to 10 years ago the entire region was "redneck" and what he really meant was that it's hard for many of those people to change their beliefs. He said only certain segments of the population hold on to racist feelings...And may have a problem voting for a black candidate.

But Murtha said he's telling voters there to vote on the issues...Not to vote on whether a candidate is black or white. There is no indication that anyone has asked Murtha for his advice on anything.

Here’s my question to you: Will Democrat Rep. Murtha calling some people in Pennsylvania “redneck” and “racist” hurt Barack Obama?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

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