UNIONTOWN, Pa. — Following the stunning defeat of 14-term Democratic incumbent Alan Mollohan in West Virginia this week, the two parties are throwing money into a special election in the western Pennsylvania district next door.
Newcomer Tim Burns, a Republican, will face off against Democrat Mark Critz, a top aide to the late Rep. John Murtha, in the special election to fill the remainder of Murtha’s term.
Murtha, who died earlier this year after gallbladder surgery, was extremely popular in this rural, southwestern district, which over the years was gerrymandered into the shape of a splatter that touches nine counties.
The district is mostly Democratic, but is socially conservative.
Critz and Burns are competing in a special election to fill the remainder of Murtha’s term, and Critz is running as a sort of Murtha surrogate, promising voters he will use his experience under Murtha to bring spending back to the district.
Murtha directed millions of dollars in federal funds and steered many lucrative federal contracts here during his tenure, which earned him criticism from ethics watchdogs but praise from constituents.
“That’s what I want to do moving forward is carry on some of the things we’ve been working on for years, which is creating an environment for job creation and job growth,” Critz told the Washington Examiner as he shook hands at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall here.
“I would say he’s carrying the torch of one of the greatest congressmen in this area,” said Fayette County Commissioner Vincent Vicites.
Burns and Critz are nearly tied in the polls, and Democrats are going all out to protect the seat. Former President Clinton will campaign for Critz on Sunday.
Burns is hoping to capture the support of voters who are disenchanted with government spending as well as the Democratic health care bill and plan to cap carbon emissions. Burns also touts his business acumen as founder of a successful pharmaceutical technology company.
Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., will stump for Burns in Washington County on Friday.
Joseph Maruszewski, a retired coal miner from Upper Middletown, said he’s voted for Murtha in the past but isn’t so sure about Critz.
“I’ll probably go with Burns,” Maruszewski said. “I know Critz was Murtha’s right-hand man, but I don’t know that he’s John Murtha.”
