12 District Election Eve
By: Ben Manning
Updated: May 18, 2010
JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY - One of the closest watched races in the Commonwealth and around the nation is the 12th District race. Since Congressman Murtha died while in office there are two races to vote on for that district. Everyone in the 12th District can vote in the special election May 18th that's between Mark Critz and Tim Burns. One of those men will fill out the rest of the term, left by the late Congressman. But there are also the primaries where republicans and democrats will select their candidate for the general election and a full term.
Doctor Ray Wrabley is an Associate Professor of Political Science at UPJ. He says there will probably be some confusion over being able to vote for Critz or Burns twice. But it's more confusing than just two places to cast your ballots. Independents can vote in the special election but not the primary. He says the independents are leaning towards Burns and that could shift the outcome of the race.
Burns was in Johnstown for a last minute rally. He says the people are ready to send a strong message to Washington. But his opponent in the special election Critz says this is about the 12th District, not Washington.
Both men were bringing out the big endorsements. Former President Bill Clinton was stumping for Critz. And Congressman Bill Shuster was there for Burns
Doctor Wrabley says if people are happy with the way Murtha was running things they will elect Critz, but if they want a change it will be Burns.
Both camps have been hammering home the fact that you can vote for their candidate and do it legally.
Doctor Ray Wrabley is an Associate Professor of Political Science at UPJ. He says there will probably be some confusion over being able to vote for Critz or Burns twice. But it's more confusing than just two places to cast your ballots. Independents can vote in the special election but not the primary. He says the independents are leaning towards Burns and that could shift the outcome of the race.
Burns was in Johnstown for a last minute rally. He says the people are ready to send a strong message to Washington. But his opponent in the special election Critz says this is about the 12th District, not Washington.
Both men were bringing out the big endorsements. Former President Bill Clinton was stumping for Critz. And Congressman Bill Shuster was there for Burns
Doctor Wrabley says if people are happy with the way Murtha was running things they will elect Critz, but if they want a change it will be Burns.
Both camps have been hammering home the fact that you can vote for their candidate and do it legally.
