JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha has told supporters in his western Pennsylvania district that he should have started his reelection campaign sooner, and he'll get some high-profile help rejuvenating his bid on Monday.

Murtha, the outspoken 76-year-old Democrat has been struggling to hold on for an 18th term after using the terms "racist" and "really redneck" in describing the area he represents.

Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to campaign on Monday in support of Murtha, a 34-year congressional veteran in a tight race for re-election in the 12th District. Murtha faces a political newcomer in Republican William Russell, who is using Murtha's recent controversial comments to gain support.

Murtha has been emphasizing the jobs and billions of federal dollars he's brought to the district. As Murtha put it Saturday, "They kick the hell out of me all the time because I'm for earmarks, because I'm for taking care of the people I represent."

Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., said Murtha speaks his mind and that will help if the Democrats win the White House.

"They're going to need leaders like Jack Murtha to help them to develop a budget that helps our families, to develop a foreign policy that not only keeps us safe, but helps us build alliances around the world," Casey said.

Murtha is also an outspoken critic of the Iraq war.

Polls show the race is within 4 points, the closest election Murtha has had since his first run for office in 1974 when he won by just 120 votes, WTAE reported.