(CNSNews.com) - A veterans' group opposed to the re-election of anti-war critic Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) Thursday denied claims that their organization is the same one that ran television advertisements attacking Sen. John Kerry's military record during the 2004 presidential election, though a spokesman replied: "Thanks for the compliment."

The exchange took place during back-to-back events held outside the Johnstown, Pa., office of the Democratic congressman who has been hammered by conservatives for urging a U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq.

The first event was a rally supporting Murtha that was co-sponsored by the Patriot Project and Veterans' Alliance for Security and Democracy (VETPAC).

"As an organization dedicated to defending and supporting the rights of Americans to debate American foreign policy, we simply cannot stand by and allow someone like Rep. Murtha, a man who has served his country with distinction and courage in Vietnam, have his patriotism questioned by partisan political groups," said Mike Lyon, executive director of the Patriot Project's board of directors.

"Larry Bailey and his 'Swift Boat' buddies represent the lowest level of personal smear politics," Lyon told the 125 people attending the rally. "They should be ashamed."

In a press release accompanying their event, the organizations defending Murtha charged that Vets for the Truth (VFTT) is "the same group, which defamed Sen. John Kerry's military record during the 2004 presidential election," and "has launched a new smear campaign against Murtha."

However, Mark Parker of nearby Waynesburg, Pa., responded to the charge during a news conference held by VFTT immediately after the pro-Murtha rally.

"We're not the Swift Boat Veterans [for Truth]," Parker said. "They are an entirely separate group, but thanks for the compliment. We're local veterans, local guys."

Also speaking at the press conference was VFTT President and retired Navy SEAL Capt. Larry Bailey, who said: "Murtha thinks that's a rally. Come back Oct. 1st, and I'll show you a rally."

Bailey was referring to an event being organized this fall in Johnstown by local veterans and sponsored by the VFTT at which "veterans and outraged citizens from all over the nation" can "show their disdain for Congressman Murtha's policies."

Until then, he recommended that citizens who agree with the goals of their organization go to the group's website and take part in "Operation Street Corner" by printing materials and flyers to make their own display.

"This is a very empowering way to let ordinary citizens politically express themselves and help to defeat Murtha, who has betrayed America's military personnel and discarded the God-fearing patriotic family values of the voters of his district," Bailey stated.

Bailey created Operation Street Corner during the 2004 Kerry Lied campaign conducted by Vietnam Vets for the Truth, a group not related to the Swift Boat Veterans.

Craig Minnick, an Iraq war veteran and lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, said that the morning's counter-demonstration "is not surprising. I have called time and time again to Congressman Murtha's office, and they have refused to listen to me, even though I am one of Rep. Murtha's constituents.

"So, today's rude behavior by Murtha's gang was not unexpected," Minnick added. "However, he cannot stop our campaign from informing the public of his dereliction of duty in supporting America's troops."

As Cybercast News Service previously reported, one of the main speakers at the rally supporting Murtha was former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, who lost both legs and an arm in Vietnam but lost his re-election bid in Georgia in 2002.

"I am not going to let vicious right-wing smears against a good man go unanswered," Cleland said. "I am honored to support my fellow Vietnam veteran as he runs for his 17th term in Congress."

Turning his attention to the VFTT, Cleland noted: "I am outraged at those who still believe that defaming an opponent's character or calling him 'unpatriotic' is fair game in debate on foreign policy.

"I am tired of men who never fought in combat accusing men who bear the scars of war of acting unpatriotic just because they disagree with our president," he stated. "This type of politics is un-American and needs to stop."

Cleland announced that he has agreed to chair the group Veterans for Murtha, which "will highlight the congressman's unconditional support for the military and for veterans."

Make media inquiries or request an interview with Randy Hall.

Subscribe to the free CNSNews.com daily E-Brief.

E-mail a comment or news tip to Randy Hall.

Send a Letter to the Editor about this article.