The Huffington Post has the story.

As a top ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and a member of Congress since 1974, Murtha was a powerful player. His past was often marked by scandal but he certainly knoew how to get things done for his Pennsylvania district. His seat, PA-12, will be tough to hold in the Midterms. Condolences to his family.

Murtha, the first Vietnam combat veteran elected to Congress, died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA at 1:18 PM, according to a press release from his office. More as we hear it.

UPDATE from desmoinesdem: Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post says a special election to replace Murtha is likely to be held on May 18, which is already scheduled to be a federal primary day in Pennsylvania.

SECOND UPDATE from desmoinesdem: The Cook Report is calling the special election in PA-12 a tossup. Taniel of Campaign Diaries thinks the May 18 special election may favor the Democrat because Pennsylvania Democrats have contested primaries for senator and governor that day, while Republicans do not. Taniel also pointed out, "The now vacant PA-12 is only district in the country to have switched from Kerry to McCain. (Went for Gore by 11, Kerry by 2, McCain by 1.)"