Cleland Joins Nonprofit With Murtha Ties

Former Sen. Max Cleland (D-Ga.) is joining the board of a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities, a group with links to Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) that has drawn scrutiny for its ties to defense contractors and lobbyists. 

Cleland, a Vietnam veteran who lost three limbs in the war, will serve on the board of the Pennsylvania Association for Individuals With Disabilities, a nonprofit agency in Murtha's hometown of Johnstown that helps with job assistance and training. The group was founded in 2001 by Carmen Scialabba, who served for many years on Murtha's congressional staff. 

The Washington Post reported in December that numerous lobbyists and corporate officials serve as directors on the nonprofit's board, and the organization has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in earmarked federal funds.