Joyce Murtha, the wife of Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, who died Monday, is being discussed as a possible successor to his Congressional seat.

"Certainly we've received calls from people offering condolences and suggesting her as a possible candidate," said Matt Mazonkey, a spokesman for Mr. Murtha's office.

He said at this point Mrs. Murtha is being suggested as a candidate, but not -- as of yet -- urged by Democrats to run. Mrs. Murtha, for her part, has been focused on arrangements for her husband's funeral, Mr. Mazonkey said.

Open political discussion has been mostly put off until after the funeral on Tuesday in Johnstown.

But Cambria County Democratic Chair Helen Whiteford said she has heard many people discuss Mrs. Murtha and if the Congressman's widow expresses interest in the seat, other Democrats would step aside. And having the name Murtha on the ballot "wouldn't hurt," Ms. Whiteford said, in the upcoming special election.

Mrs. Murtha's public appearances have mostly been beside her husband during his 36 years in Congress. She is a breast cancer survivor and is the namesake of the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center in Johnstown.

Despite the recent chatter, Mrs. Murtha has never struck Ms. Whiteford as a contender for political office one day.

"She's done a lot on her own, but she never stole the show," Ms. Whiteford said. "I don't know that she would even consider it."

Gov. Ed Rendell has until next Friday to determine a date for the special election, though he said this week he is leaning toward May 18 -- the same day as the primary -- in order to save money.

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