TNR’s Michael Crowley: “Pennyslvania Congressman John Murtha has begun delivering a letter to his Democratic House colleagues announcing plans, should Democrats retake the House this fall, to seek the number-two job of House Majority Leader. This would almost certainly entail a showdown with the current House Minority Whip, Steny Hoyer. I just called Murtha’s press secretary, who confirmed the letter…” More here.

My question: Isn’t this sort of like a pre-emptive strike?