Democrat Holds on to Murtha's Seat

It was a nail-biter, but democratic candidate Mark Critz held onto the seat formerly occupied by democratic powerhouse John Murtha. The 12th Congressional District went to Critz with 52.2% of the vote, compared to republican Tim Burns' 47.8%. Critz, former district director for Representative Murtha won a special election in May following Murtha's death in February. The 12th District consists of all of Greene County and parts of Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Fayette, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland Counties. Burns, a businessman, also ran for and lost the special election to fill Murtha's seat. Asked how he managed to pull out a win with the rest of the country trending to the right, Critz credited the amount of time he spent in the district and the relationships he has built with officials and constituents both working for Murtha and in the few months he has already spent in Congress. He says he plans to work across the aisle in the newly Republican controlled House and says he'll be focused on remedying the economy and bringing jobs back to his district.

State Funding for Murtha, Specter Projects Criticized

Governor Ed Rendell is defending allocating 20 million dollars to projects named after Senator Arlen Specter and Congressman John Murtha.
Nearly every state department lost funding in this year’s budget, but an accompanying bond measure hands out 300 million dollars for construction projects across Pennsylvania.
That includes 10 million dollars for an Arlen Specter library at Philadelphia University, and the same amount for a John Murtha Policy Center in Johnstown. Murtha, the longest serving Congressman in Pennsylvania history, died in February. Specter, a 30 year member of the U.S. Senate, lost a primary election in May to Joe Sestak.
The two line items drew the ire of conservative lawmakers during weekend budget votes, but Rendell defends them.

"The Murtha project will help us in the long run because it’s technology. It’s going to be a technology center. The Specter library – it’s just a good construction project. It’s necessary. Philadelphia University, I know about it. I don’t live far from the campus. They could use an expansion and the Specter library will help them do just that."

Rendell points out the borrowed money can’t be used for operating expenses, so the 300 million dollars would not have restored any budget cuts. Still, critics point out that it is money the state is borrowing.
The bond measure was passed by both legislative chambers on Saturday, less than a day after its line items were made public.

Critz Wins Special Election

The former district director for long-time Congressman John Murtha of Johnstown will succeed his former boss. Democrat Mark Critz of Johnstown defeated Republican Tim Burns of Eighty-Four, Washington County and Libertarian Demo Agoris of Houston, Washington County in the special election in the 12th Congressional District. Critz received 53% of the vote, Burns 45% and Agoris 2%. Critz will serve out the last 7 months of the term of John Murtha who died in February.
Critz said he was humbled and honored by the victory....."But most of all, I am proud to stand before you as the next Representative of Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District! The voters of this district won a great victory tonight. But it’s a bittersweet. Because we wouldn’t be here right now if Jack Murtha hadn’t left us too soon.
Throughout this campaign, I’ve thought about the many lessons Congressman Murtha taught me when I served as his director of economic development. He often said to me, “it’s about the work.” It is. And I’m going to work tirelessly every day in Congress for the families of Western Pennsylvania."

However, Critz is not done with Burns. There will be a rematch in the November General Election because Critz won the Democratic Primary and Burns the Republican Primary to seek a full 2-year term.

Special Election & Primary Combined

The 12th Congressional race in Pennsylvania is two elections in one. Voters will select a candidate in the special election to serve out the term of the late John Murtha and will also nominate candidates to run for a full term in the fall election.
Listen to the report by WDUQ's Alexandria Chaklos

PA Primary Voters Face Deadline

Today is the last day to register to vote in the May 18th Pennsylvania Primary. In order to qualify to vote a person must be a resident of the United States and have lived in the voting district for at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least 18 years old on the day of the election. Today is also the deadline to change party affiliations. Pennsylvania holds what is known as a “closed primary” which means a voter can only vote in the primary of the party to which they are registered. Party changes and new registrations can be made at the county elections office and forms can be downloaded from the Pennsylvania Department of State web site. Forms post marked with today’s date will be accepted.
There are a few general elections being held on the same day as the primary this year. Most notably in Western Pennsylvania is the race to fill the unexpired term of US Congressman John Murtha. Murtha died while in office February 8th. Voters in the 12th congressional district will cast votes in that general election as well as in a primary for a candidate to run in the November election for a full term. State Representative District 20 is also holding a special election May 118th. Don Walko retired from tHat seat to become a judge. Voters with no party affiliation and those affiliated with so-called “third parties” can vote in the general election races but will not be allowed to vote in any primary races in those districts.

Navy Honors Murtha

The late Congressman John Murtha of Johnstown will have a navy amphibious ship named for him.
According to the Navy Times, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has decided to name the 10th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock for the long-time Congressman who chaired the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. Murtha, who was a marine during the Vietnam War, died in February due to complications following surgery.
One of his former colleagues, Congressman Joe Sestak of Delaware County, is a retired 3-star admiral. Sestak says this is a large amphibious ship that can carry up to 800 mariners plus their landing craft and helicopters. He says the ship is good for quick surgical strikes.....
"You may have a terrorist who is residing in a country like Somalia. That's a ship in the middle of the sea that can quietly and stealthily go in with about 20 marines, land, seize the terrorist and repart (leave) quickly."
Sestak says this is due recognition for Murtha who was the first Vietnam War veteran to be elected to Congress...
"to a man who was truly a patriot, a warrior, a wonderful Congress member, who served this nation ever war. But it's also recognition to a generation, an era of wonderful service members who loved this country."

There are opponents to the naming of the ship for Murtha. Detractors criticized his comments from 2005 when he said that marines operating in Haditha, Iraq had killed "innocent people."
Congressman Sestak says Murtha spoke his beliefs and "while he loved the service he knew there had to be accountability in the service."

Republican's Nominate Candidate For Murtha's Congressional Seat

Republican businessman Tim Burns has received his party's nomination in the congressional primary race for the seat of late Congressman John Murtha. Burns, a native of Johnstown, beat out challenger Bill Russell for the nomination. Russell, a former army officer challenged Murtha for his seat in 2008 but was unsuccessful. Burns won the nomination by a vote of 85 to 46 at a party meeting held at St. Vincent College. Burns will is also running in the special election to serve out the remaining 8 months of the late congressman's term. Burn will be running against Democrat Mark Critz, who was Murtha's former district director.

Mark Critz in as Dem for Dist. 12 Special Election

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party Executive Board followed the recommendation of the Southwest Democratic Caucus in choosing Mark Critz to run as the Democrat in the special election to fill Jack Murtha’s unexpired term. The special election will be held May 18th. Voters in the 12th congressional district will also be casting primary ballots that day for the November general election. Critz is a Johnstown resident who worked for Murtha for several years, rising to the level of District Director. In a written statement Critz says, “Today, I pledge to all western Pennsylvanians that I’ll work tirelessly to earn their support so that we can come together and get to work bringing jobs to our communities and getting our economy back on track.” Several other Democrats had thrown their hats into the ring for the nomination but it is unclear how many of them will run in the May primary. Chief among the challengers could be former state treasurer and auditor general Barbara Hafer. 49 votes were cast in yesterday’s meeting, 30 went to Critz and 18 went to Hafer. Today is the deadline to file nominating petitions for the primary. Murtha died last month from complications following gallbladder surgery at age 77.

GOP, Dems Plan to Pick Candidates for Murtha Seat

Republicans and Democrats will select their candidates for the special election to fill John Murtha’s Congressional seat in the coming weeks.
Democrats from the 12th Congressional District will convene in Delmont, Westmoreland County on March 6th to recommend a candidate for the May 18th special election.
But, as State Party Chairman TJ Rooney points out, their choice won’t be binding.

"It is, at the end of the day, the responsibility of the executive committee. And members of the executive committee will receive and weigh information from a myriad of sources, including polling that’s been done in the district."

Rooney says Democratic party officials will make the final decision on March 8th.
A few days later, Republicans will convene in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, to select their candidate. Republican spokesman Michael Barley says the GOP conference will be made up of representatives selected by county parties.

"Their county party bylaws dictate. They do not need to be committee members at all. It’s up to the counties. Different counties have different ways of selecting conferees. Some, the county chair selects them. The only requirement we have is that they’re Republicans living in the district."

Unlike the Democrats, that session’s pick will be final.
When voting to fill Murtha’s seat May 18, 12th District residents will also select general election nominees for the next Congressional term.
Rooney says Democrats will try to make sure they have the same candidate in each race.
Republican spokesman Mike Barley says it’s too early to know whether the GOP will do the same.

Race for Murtha Seat Less Cloudy

The widow of Congressman John Murtha says she will not try to step into her husband’s shoes. Joyce Murtha says she will not run in the race to fill his unexpired term. John Murtha died February 8th from complications following gallbladder surgery. He was 77. Among those who have said they are interested is former Lt. Gov. Mark Singel. Also running is former Pennsylvanian Treasurer Barbara Hafer and Cambria County Controller Mark Singel. The governor has chosen May 18th. Tat is also Pennsylvania’s primary day. That means there will be two elections involving Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district on primary day, one to fill the unexpired term and a vote among democrats and republicans to choose a party nominee to run for a full term in November. The parties get to choose a candidate for the unexpired term. It is unclear when Democrats will choose that but Republicans say they will meet March 11 in Latrobe to choose their candidate. The party says anyone wanting to run will be given a chance to address the conference before members take a vote.

Former Murtha Opponent to Run Again

Republican William Russell, who lost to Congressman John Murtha in the 2008 November election, says he will seek the GOP nomination in the special election to fill the vacancy left by Murtha's death this month.
Russell, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, was already a candidate in the May Republican Primary for the 12th Congressional District seat..."Since the governor has announced that the Special Election will be held on Primary day, May 18th, it makes perfect sense to also be a candidate in the special election. It's a move that makes sense for the voters and will simplify the process for the thousands of my supporters."

The Republican Party will choose the nominee for the special election.

Singel to Seek Murtha's Seat

Former Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel has announced he will seek the 12th Congressional District seat vacated by the death this month of U.S. Representative John Murtha of Johnstown. Singel says he is a candidate in both the special election to serve out Murtha's current term and the primary election for the Democratic nomination. The Democratic Party will select the nominee for the special election which will be held at the same time as the primary, May 18th.
Singel, who was a state senator for 6 years and served as lieutenant governor from 1987-95, called Murtha a friend and mentor..."First and foremost, it is critical that the work begun by Congressman Murtha be continued. This requires someone who understands the legislative process and has an ability to hit the ground running."
Singel said Democrats cannot afford to lose this seat..."the people are restless. They do not believe anyone is really on their side. It's time for us to stop yelling at each other and start listening to each other."
Singel is founder of the Winter Group, a government relations firm.

Former Pennsylvania Auditor General and Treasurer Barbara Hafer has also expressed interest in the vacant Congressional seat. But Hafer has said that she would not run if John Murtha's widow, Joyce seeks the seat.
The Democratic Party will choose the nominee for the special election May 18th to serve out the final 7 months of Murtha's term.

Date Set for 12th Dist. Election

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell has set May 18th as the day voters in the state’s 12th district will choose a replacement for congressman John Murtha. That is the same day as the Pennsylvania primary. That means voters will be asked to cast two ballots for the seat. One would be to choose a person to fulfill the unexpired term and the other would be to choose party representatives for the general election in November. The democratic and Republican parities will choose the candidates in the race for the unexpired term. State Law gave the governor 10 days from Murtha’s death to pick a date that was no less than 60 days in the future. Murtha died Feb. 8 following complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 77 years old.

John Murtha Laid To Rest

U.S.Representative John Murtha's funeral service was held Tuesday morning at Westmont Presbyterian Church just outside of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, his hometown. He represented the area since 1974.

Among those in the packed church were Former President Bill Clinton, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who led a Congressional delegation of fifty. She spoke of his years of service, his support of veterans and scientific research and the twinkle in his eye. His daughter Donna Murtha delivered a tearful eulogy where she spoke of her father's love of family and his love of nature. Rev. Douglas Stevens said Murtha showed the same courage in his work as he did on the battlefield.

Murtha died on February 8 after complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 77 years old.

He was the head of the House appropriations defense committee, the first Vietnam veteran elected to Congress, the longest serving member of the House in Pennsylvania history. He was an outspoken critic of the Iraq war.

Murtha to be Laid to Rest Tuesday

Funeral and visitation details are being finalized for the late Congressman John Murtha. Murtha passed away this week while being treated for complications following gallbladder surgery. He was 77. A visitation will be held at the Frank Duca Funeral Home in Murtha’s hometown of Westmont. (1622 Menoher Blvd. 15905) Sunday and Monday. Hours for the visitation have not yet been finalized. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 Tuesday at Westmont Presbyterian Church. (601 Luzerne St. 15905) The funeral service will be closed to the public but citizens are welcome at the viewing. Murtha will be laid to rest at the Grandview Cemetery in Westmont. Congressman Murtha became the longest serving congressman from Pennsylvania just days before his death. He was first elected in 1974.

Outpouring of Reaction to Murth's Death

The outpouring of grief and remembrances continues following the death of Congressman John Murtha of Johnstown. The 77-year-old Democrat died yesterday while being treated for complications from gallbladder surgery. Cambria County Democrat Committee Chair Helen Whiteford says she was shocked by Murtha’s death and he will be missed not only by Johnstown but also by the entire district. She praised Murtha for his ability to bring money back to the region. Whiteford worked on Murtha’s first campaign in 1974. Last Saturday Murtha became the longest serving member of congress from Pennsylvania. She says over the years he has weathered many attacks and has come through each one of them. She predicts he would have done the same with recent allegations of misconduct over sending defense contracts to friends and family members.

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair T.J Rooney says he was shocked and surprised when he learned of the death of John Murtha. He says he had just been told over the weekend that he was “on the mend.” Rooney says Murtha was a “legislative titan” and the best there ever was at bringing money back to his district. Rooney praised Murtha for being the “epitome of a gentleman.” He says Murtha could go toe to toe with you over a piece of legislation during the day and then break bread with you at night. He says that is becoming increasingly rare in politics. Rooney says, “this is not just a loss for Johnstown; this is a loss for all of Pennsylvania.”

State Senator John Wozniak of Cambria County says the death of Congressman John Murtha comes as a terrible shock. He says, ”He was a very good friend, a mentor, I’ve known him since I was in high school.” Wozniak says he, “can’t imagine a world without the Congressman,” and all of what he’s done for the people of Western Pennsylvania, the state and the nation. Wozniak says that when the steel industry began to decline, Murtha went to work to help diversify the economy and bring jobs and investment to the region in infrastructure and the private sector. Wozniak says no member of Congress or the Senate more on the side of the soldier to make sure they have what they need on the battlefield.

PA Governor Ed Rendell:
"Pennsylvania has lost one of its greatest citizens. Congressman Murtha impacted the entire state, not just his congressional district, in ways that almost no individual has. He was also the best friend and supporter of our military and the men and women who risk their lives for our country. He worked tirelessly to ensure that our military had the resources it needed to do its job effectively. The governor Rendell ordered all Pennsylvania and U.S. flags across the commonwealth to be flown at half-staff through interment.

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter:
“I am deeply saddened to lose my dear friend and colleague Jack Murtha. He was a public servant in every sense of the word and his passing is a great loss to all of Pennsylvania. Joan and my thoughts are with his wife, Joyce, and their children.”

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato:
“Congressman Murtha was tremendously dedicated to his constituents, and he always fought for them and for what he believed in. His service to our country on the battlefield and in the U.S. House of Representatives was truly inspiring. Our Commonwealth has lost a great man and a great public servant. He will be deeply missed.”

Congressman Chaka Fattah of Philadelphia:
"Chairman Murtha will be remembered as a man who was not just Congressman from Johnstown, he was the Congressman for Philadelphia, the Congressman for Pittsburgh, for Allentown, for every corner of our Commonwealth. He really carried the weight of Pennsylvania on his shoulders. In Congress, he always sat in the same chair and he always had the same disposition: Pennsylvania first. Congressman Murtha, I believe, will be best remembered as the first serious hawk to stand up and call for our withdrawal from Iraq. As a former Marine - he would say 'always a Marine' - Jack Murtha's courageous stand marked a turning point in America's involvement in that ill-advised war.”

William Russell, Republican Candidate for the 12th Dist:
“While Mr. Murtha and I were political combatants in every sense, our family and campaign team asks you to keep the Murtha family in your thoughts and prayers. Regardless of your political position, you always knew Jack had an immense love and loyalty to his family and the residents of the 12th Congressional District.”

"Heart and Soul" of Johnstown Dies

Pennsylvania's longest serving member of Congress is dead. John P. "Jack" Murtha died this afternoon at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington Virginia of complications following gallbladder surgery January 28.
A former Marine, Murtha was the first Vietnam War combat veteran to be elected to Congress. He won a special election in February 1974.
Murtha was particularly effective in bringing appropriations and federal investments back to his home of Johnstown especially contracts with the defense industry.
Johnstown Mayor Tom Trigona, who knew Murtha from when he first ran for Congress called it "a very sad day....a tragedy for the area....he was the heart and soul of Johnstown for a long time."
Trigona says that no one is irreplaceable but in the nation's system of seniority "that statement might not be true when it comes to Murtha.........it will be very difficult to replace him."
Trigona says he saw Murtha just last month at the Congressman's annual reception for incoming cadets to the military academies and that his (Trigona's) grandson was so impressed that Murtha took time to take a photo with him and urged his grandson to keep up his grades so that he (Murtha) might be able to help him enter the academy.

Murtha Dead at 77

Congressman John P. Murtha of Johnstown died today at 1:18 p.m. at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA. The 77-year old became Pennsylvania's longest serving member of Congress Saturday, February 6th. A spokesperson for the Congressman says his family was at his bedside when he died. Murtha was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in February of 1974. Murtha was in the hospital being treated for complications from gallbladder surgery.

PA Congressional Reaction to State of Union

Members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation agree with President Barack Obama's new focus on jobs. In his first State of the Union address, the President told Congress that creating jobs must be its No. 1 focus this year. He's proposing that Congress take $30 billion dollars from the Wall Street bailout to help community banks make loans for small businesses. But he also said he doesn't want Congress to abandon efforts to reform health care.

Republican Congressman Tim Murphy of Upper St. Clair, says he likes the idea of the tax credits for small businesses, which are very much needed to keep doors open. While he supports extending the tax breaks for the middle class, he opposes the rollback of tax cuts for people making $250,000 or more. Murphy says the rollback would impact 60 to 70 percent of small businesses. He says while you're cutting the capital gains, you're increasing the personal income tax, therefore there's no positive impact. Murphy calls the President's proposal for a three year freeze on discretionary spending, symbolic.

Congressman Jason Altmire, a Democrat from McCandless, says while freezing discretionary freezing is a strong first step, he also wants Congress to act to make Pay-As-You-Go budget rules law. He says during the 1990's, that's what helped America move from budget deficits to record surpluses. Altmire is a co-sponsor of the Statutory Pay Go legislation that would force Congress to pay for new spending and prevent it from adding to the federal deficit.

Johnstown Democrat, John Murtha, says the President addressed the challenges that we face now and those that threaten to burden our future. He agrees with the President that there needs to be a focus on job creation to get the economy back on track.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Congressman Joe Sestak of Delaware County, says now is the time for Congress to prove that government can restore accountability and transparency by making job growth and long-term financial security top priorities. He says to rein in deficit and debt spending, any job creation plan needs to close tax loopholes that ship jobs overseas.

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, a Democrat from Philadelphia, says President Obama was right on target in making jobs the number one priority, with an emphasis on clean energy jobs. He says he liked the President's fighting spirit refusing to quit on health care reform.

John Murtha in Hospital

Congressman John Murtha went to the hospital Sunday night with abdominal pains. The 77-year-old was admitted to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda MD. A spokesperson says the 19-term democrat is being treated for a gallbladder problem. There is no indication how long Murtha will be in the hospital but he is said to be “resting and doing well.”