2010 Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district special election

none February 2026 December 2019 2010 Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district special election Pennsylvania Presidential no 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 12 2008 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 12 Nov 2010 May 18, 2010 File:Mark Critz official portrait, 111th Congress.jpg 150x150px Mark Critz Democratic Party (United States) 70,915 52.6% 3x4.svg Tim Burns Republican Party (United States) 60,740 45.1% File:(PA-12) 2010 Special Election.svg 230px County resultsCritz: #d5d5ffff 40–50% #8080ffff 50–60%Burns: #ffaaaaff 50–60% U.S. Representative John Murtha Democratic Party (United States) Mark Critz Democratic Party (United States) The 2010 special election for the 12th congressional district of Pennsylvania was held on May 18, 2010, to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Democratic U.S. Representative John Murtha. Democratic nominee Mark Critz, Murtha's former district director, defeated Republican nominee Tim Burns.http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20100519_Murtha_aide_wins_his_seat.html Murtha aide wins his seat May 19, 2010 May 19, 2010 The Philadelphia Inquirer Amy Worden Both candidates were nominated at their respective primary election concurrent with the special election and faced off in the general election November 2010, with Critz again defeating Burns. Background thumb|right|John Murtha, whose death triggered a special election in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district Though the late Representative, Murtha, the longest serving congressman in the history of Pennsylvania, was consistently re-elected to his seat by large margins, the special election was expected to be competitive.https://www.politico.com/story/2010/02/pa-seat-is-latest-democratic-worry-032719 Pa. seat is latest Democratic worry February 9, 2010 February 9, 2010 Politico Josh Kraushaarhttp://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/02/09/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry6190866.shtml Murtha's Death Leaves a Toss Up Race, One Less Dem Health Care Vote February 9, 2010 February 9, 2010 CBS News Stephanie Condonhttp://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02/09/murthas-death-turns-seat-likely-battleground/?test=latestnews https://web.archive.org/web/20100212110245/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02/09/murthas-death-turns-seat-likely-battleground/?test=latestnews dead February 12, 2010 Murtha's Death Turns Seat Into Likely Battleground February 9, 2010 February 9, 2010 Fox News The 12th district is predominantly rural, and represents the coal and manufacturing industries, which have suffered in recent decades.http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/08/dems-choose-nominee-for-murtha-seat/ Dems Choose Nominee for Murtha Seat March 8, 2010 March 9, 2010 The New York Times Bernie Becker It was the only congressional district in the United States which gave a majority of its vote to Republican nominee John McCain in 2008 after voting for Democratic nominee John Kerry in 2004. However, at the time of the election Democrats outnumbered Republicans by a 2-to-1 ratio in the 12th district.https://www.scpr.org/news/2010/02/09/11661/murthas-death-sets-stage-marquee-house-race/ Murtha's death sets stage for marquee House race February 9, 2010 February 25, 2019 Andrew Miga Joe Mandak Associated Press November 23, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201123120626/https://www.scpr.org/news/2010/02/09/11661/murthas-death-sets-stage-marquee-house-race/ dead A poll conducted by Public Policy Polling (PPP) in May 2010 found President Obama with an approval rating of 35 percent, with 55 percent disapproving.http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_PA_516.pdf PA-12 close at the finish May 16, 2010 May 18, 2010 Public Policy Polling A PPP poll conducted in April found Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (all Democrats) to be "exceptionally unpopular", though 55 percent of the district identify as members of the Democratic Party.https://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2010/04/burns-leads-critz-44-41.html Burns leads Critz 44-41 April 20, 2010 April 20, 2010 Public Policy Polling Tom Jensen The special election result was considered likely to have ramifications on the national political environment, as an opportunity for Republicans to follow up their victory in the U.S. Senate special election in Massachusetts in January 2010https://www.politico.com/story/2010/03/pennsylvania-race-could-go-national-034333 Pennsylvania race could go national March 12, 2010 May 8, 2010 Politico Josh Kraushaar in a district of the sort they intend to target in the November 2010 elections.https://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/02/26/26greenwire-pa-special-election-shaping-up-as-another-early-5602.html Pa. Special Election Shaping Up as Another Early Test of 2010 Climate February 26, 2010 May 8, 2010 The New York Times Alex Kaplun National issues, including health care, government spending, cap-and-trade legislation and the role of government.http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/why-pennsylvanias-special-elec.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120927060444/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/why-pennsylvanias-special-elec.html dead September 27, 2012 Why Pennsylvania's special election matters more May 5, 2010 May 8, 2010 The Washington Post Chris Cillizza Chris Cillizza Republican nominee Tim Burns described the election as "a referendum on the Obama-[Nancy] Pelosi agenda,"http://kdka.com/politics/Tim.Burns.republican.2.1682726.html Republican Burns Running For Murtha's Vacant Seat May 7, 2010 May 8, 2010 KDKA-TVAugust 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes while The Washington Posts Chris Cillizza said "the race is simply a must-win" for Republicans,http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/the-line/pennsylvania-special-election-1.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100520042708/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/the-line/pennsylvania-special-election-1.html dead May 20, 2010 Pennsylvania special election could be 2010 pivot point May 14, 2010 May 14, 2010 The Washington Post Chris Cillizza Chris Cillizza and political scientist Tom Schaller of FiveThirtyEight wrote that the district "is precisely the sort of district Republicans have in their sights for 2010".http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/05/what-pa-12-means-for-pa-sen-pelosis.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100918174043/http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/05/what-pa-12-means-for-pa-sen-pelosis.html dead September 18, 2010 What PA-12 Means for PA-Sen, Pelosi's Majority -- And, oh, PA-12 May 17, 2010 May 18, 2010 FiveThirtyEight Tom Schaller Thomas Schaller The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee described the district as "exactly the type of district that House Republicans need to win this cycle."https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/69853-dems-play-expectations-game-in-pa-12/ Dems play expectations game in PA-12 May 18, 2010 May 18, 2010 The Hill Sean J. Miller Critz downplayed the national consequences of the election, saying "I can't really concern myself with national issues. I'm concentrating on my race here. I'm just a local guy that's running for a seat."https://www.ft.com/content/9db8d1c4-58a7-11df-a0c9-00144feab49a Burns' rhetoric sets Democrats on edge May 6, 2010 May 9, 2010 Financial Times Anna Fifield On election day, CQ Politics,http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docid=news-000003292497 Special to Replace Murtha Highly Competitive February 10, 2010 February 11, 2010 CQ Politics Shira Toeplitz https://web.archive.org/web/20100218140231/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docid=news-000003292497 February 18, 2010 dead The Rothenberg Political Report,Rothenberg The https://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-05-12T09%3A00%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=4 The Rothenberg Political Report Rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com July 5, 2010 August 21, 2010 The Cook Political Report,http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-now/2010/05/cook_upgrades_gop_chances_in_h.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120927204628/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-now/2010/05/cook_upgrades_gop_chances_in_h.html dead September 27, 2012 Cook: GOP chances up in Hawaii's 1st, down in Pennsylvania's 12th May 13, 2010 May 18, 2010 The Washington Post David Weigel David Weigel and Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling all characterized the race as a tossup. Democratic nomination Candidates Ran for nomination Ryan Bucchianeri, United States Navy veteranhttps://www.politico.com/story/2010/02/murtha-special-election-set-033100 Murtha special election set February 17, 2010 February 17, 2010 Politico David Catanese Ed Cernic Jr., Cambria County Controllerhttps://www.wpxi.com/news/cambria-county-official-to-run-for-murthas-seat/289126305 Cambria County Official To Run For Murtha's Seat February 22, 2010 February 25, 2019 WPXI Mark Critz, Murtha's district directorhttp://www.pa2010.com/2010/02/critz-i-kept-my-aspirations-private/ Critz: 'I kept my aspirations private' February 23, 2010 February 26, 2010 pa2010.com Dan Hirschhorn Dan Hirschhorn https://web.archive.org/web/20100226042231/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/02/critz-i-kept-my-aspirations-private/ February 26, 2010 dead Barbara Hafer, former Pennsylvania Auditor General and Treasurerhttps://www.post-gazette.com/politics-state/2010/02/16/Hafer-to-enter-race-for-Murtha-s-U-S-House-seat/stories/201002160147 Hafer to enter race for Murtha's U.S. House seat February 16, 2010 February 16, 2010 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette James O'Toole Declined to run Tom Ceraso, Westmoreland County Commissioner, endorsed Ed Cernic Jr.http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_668994.html https://archive.today/20120913081658/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_668994.html dead September 13, 2012 Westmoreland commissioner Ceraso won't fill Murtha's 'big shoes' February 26, 2010 February 26, 2010 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Rich Cholodofsky Jack Hanna, chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party's southwest caucushttp://www.pa2010.com/2010/02/12th-district-notes-hanna-irey-not-interested/ 12th District notes: Hanna, Irey not interested February 16, 2010 February 24, 2010 pa2010.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100501173844/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/02/12th-district-notes-hanna-irey-not-interested/ May 1, 2010 dead Joyce Murtha, Murtha's widow,http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_668418.html http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20120813212021/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_668418.html dead August 13, 2012 Joyce Murtha won't be running for John's vacant congressional seat February 22, 2010 February 22, 2010 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Salena Zito endorsed Mark Critzhttps://www.politico.com/story/2010/02/critz-gets-joyce-murtha-endorsement-033545 Mark Critz gets Joyce Murtha endorsement February 26, 2010 February 26, 2010 Politico Josh Kraushaar Albert Penksa, former Cambria County Controller, endorsed Mark Critz Mark Singel, former Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania announced his intention to run on February 19, 2010,http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_050112012.html Former Lt. Gov. Mark Singel will run for seat held by John Murtha February 19, 2010 February 19, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Sandra Reabuck February 22, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100222004233/http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_050112012.html dead but withdrew from the race on February 25http://www.pa2010.com/2010/02/breaking-news-singel-drops-out-of-12th-district-race/ BREAKING NEWS: Singel drops out of 12th District race (Updated) February 25, 2010 February 26, 2010 pa2010.com Dan Hirschhorn Dan Hirschhorn https://web.archive.org/web/20160130110116/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/02/breaking-news-singel-drops-out-of-12th-district-race/ January 30, 2016 dead and endorsed Mark Critz.http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_669300.html Singel supports Critz for Murtha's House seat February 28, 2010 March 2, 2010 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Mike Wereschagin https://web.archive.org/web/20100301023955/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_669300.html March 1, 2010 dead John Wozniak, state Senatorhttp://www.politicspa.com/politicspa-wozniak-wont-run-for-murthas-seat/6748/ PoliticsPA: Wozniak won't run for Murtha's seat February 17, 2010 February 17, 2010 PoliticsPA Alex Roarty Campaign On March 6, 2010, a panel of Democratic officials from the 12th district recommended Mark Critz as their preferred Democratic nominee. Critz received 46 of 83 votes cast, while Barbara Hafer received 22, Ed Cernic Jr. received 14, and Ryan Bucchianeri received one vote. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party's Executive Committee will make the final decision on their party's nominee on March 8;http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_065120548.html NEW - 12th district Democrats recommend Critz for special election March 6, 2010 March 6, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Arlene JohnsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/63340-12th-district-dems-recommend-critz-to-run-for-murthas-seat/ 12th District Dems recommend Critz to run for Murtha's seat March 6, 2010 March 6, 2010 The Hill Tony Romm however, they are expected to follow the non-binding recommendation of Critz made by local officials. T.J. Rooney, chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, said "The members of the Executive Committee will certainly take these results under consideration this Monday when they decide our nominee."https://www.politico.com/story/2010/03/advantage-critz-034019 Advantage: Critz March 7, 2010 March 7, 2010 Politico Josh Kraushaar On March 6, the Democratic committee of Washington County declared that it would hold its own separate straw poll.http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10065/1040723-181.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20100309130422/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10065/1040723-181.stm dead March 9, 2010 Washington County Democrats split with others over Murtha successor March 6, 2010 March 7, 2010 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Dennis B. Roddy In early March, Hafer criticized the nominating process used by the state Democratic Party, describing the vote by 12th district Democrats as "flawed and non-transparent and non-democratic".https://www.post-gazette.com/neighborhoods-south/2010/03/03/Hafer-attacks-opposition-in-bid-for-Murtha-seat/stories/201003030192 Hafer attacks opposition in bid for Murtha seat March 3, 2010 March 7, 2010 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Dennis Roddy She also criticized Critz over his ties to controversial earmarks obtained by Murtha, and questioned Critz's electability against the Republican nominee. In response to Hafer's allegations, Critz asked the Office of Congressional Ethics on March 10 to release transcripts of interviews with Critz which were conducted while Murtha was under investigation.http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003353977 Critz Requests Release of Ethics Transcripts March 10, 2010 March 11, 2010 CQ Politics Paul Singer https://web.archive.org/web/20120204200534/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003353977 February 4, 2012 dead Bucchianeri and U.S. Air Force veteran Ron Mackell Jr. ran for the Democratic nomination for the general election;http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_670961.html Hafer backs out of race to replace late Murtha March 10, 2010 March 10, 2010 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Mike Wereschagin https://web.archive.org/web/20100312060351/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_670961.html March 12, 2010 deadhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10080/1044605-455.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20121020090134/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/cernic-drops-out-of-race-for-murthas-congressional-seat-238982/ dead October 20, 2012 Cernic drops out of race for Murtha's congressional seat March 21, 2010 April 4, 2010 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review it was therefore possible that Critz could win the special election but lose the primary for the November general election.http://www.rollcall.com/news/43914-1.html Ex-Murtha Aide Gets Democratic Nod for Special Election March 6, 2010 March 8, 2010 Roll Call Shira Toeplitz Hafer had initially planned to run for the Democratic nomination in the general election, but withdrew on March 10, 2010, saying "He won both nominations, and I just think that it's time for me to step aside and let him go forward. There's no sense in me beating him up." Results On March 8, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party Executive Committee followed the recommendation of the district officials by nominating Mark Critz. Of the 49 votes cast by the Committee members, Critz received 30, Hafer received 18, Bucchianeri received one and Cernic received zero.http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_067234651.html State Dems back Critz March 8, 2010 March 9, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Mike Faher dead https://archive.today/20130204164610/http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_067234651.html February 4, 2013 Critz said "I'm honored to have the state committee's endorsement," while Rooney described Critz as "a phenomenal candidate". Republican nomination Candidates Ran for nomination Tim Burns, businessman Bill Choby, three-time former candidate for the 12th district Ron Robertson, businessmanhttp://www.politicspa.com/breaking-news-republicans-pick-burns/7936/ UPDATED: Republicans pick Burns; Russell vows to fight on March 11, 2010 March 12, 2010 PoliticsPA Alex Roarty William Russell, 2008 Republican nominee Luke Summerfield Declined to run Diana Irey, Washington County Commissioner and 2006 Republican nominee, endorsed Tim Burns Mark Pasquerilla, chief executive officer of Crown American, endorsed Democratic candidate Mark Critzhttp://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/02/pasquerilla-endorses-murtha-st.html Pennsylvania: Pasquerilla Backs Murtha Staffer February 22, 2010 February 24, 2010 CQ Politics Shira Toeplitz https://web.archive.org/web/20100225074319/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/02/pasquerilla-endorses-murtha-st.html February 25, 2010 dead Jeff Pyle, state Representativehttp://www.politicspa.com/politicspa-republican-field-taking-shape-for-murthas-seat/ PoliticsPA: Republican field taking shape for Murtha's seat February 24, 2010 PoliticsPA Alex RoartyAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Dave L. Reed, state Representative Kim Ward, state Senator Campaign Businessman Tim Burns began his campaign for the Republican nomination on March 3 at the Surf & Turf Inn in Johnstown, the site of his first job. Burns said "We have to get Congress to focus on creating jobs, lowering taxes and fixing Washington for the future of our children."http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_062223449.html Burns launches campaign at site of first job March 3, 2010 March 9, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Frank Sojak March 6, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100306011309/http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_062223449.html dead Results Republicans from the 12th district met on March 11, 2010, in Latrobe, to choose their nominee.http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_060230303.html Parties set to make House picks March 1, 2010 March 6, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Sandra K. Reabuck February 4, 2013 https://archive.today/20130204201630/http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_060230303.html dead Tim Burns was nominated, receiving 85 of 131 votes cast. William Russell received 46.http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_071000335.html GOP chooses Burns for special election in 12th March 12, 2010 March 12, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Mike Faher March 14, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100314131456/http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_071000335.html dead In a speech prior to the nomination vote, Burns referred to his support for the Tea Party movement, articulated his positions on the current plans for health care reform, United States energy independence and the national deficit, and described his nomination as "an opportunity to put a common-sense conservative in a seat that has long been held by a political insider". Russell said that "The party doesn't want a candidate that's connected to the people, they want one with money. While unfortunate, this is what we expected." Libertarian nomination Demo Agoris, a businessman, former Houston borough councilman and unsuccessful candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, received the Libertarian Party nomination. Michael Robertson, the chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, said Agoris "offers real change" for residents of the 12th district. Agoris has said he is running "To bring to light the agenda of the Libertarian Party and how the left and right agenda is destroying America and selling out America to foreign investors."http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1687706365/House-race-has-3rd-hopeful House race has 3rd hopeful April 11, 2010 April 13, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Mike Faher General election Campaign The fact that the special election coincided with contested Democratic gubernatorial and U.S. Senate primaries may have led to increased voter turnout among Democrats, benefiting Critz;http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/the-line/four-days-in-may.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100327131237/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/the-line/four-days-in-may.html dead March 27, 2010 Five days in May March 12, 2010 March 12, 2010 The Washington Post Chris Cillizza Chris Cillizzahttp://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/for-12th-district-candidates-not-being-the-special-election-nominee-makes-for-a-daunting-path/ https://archive.today/20130131045118/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/for-12th-district-candidates-not-being-the-special-election-nominee-makes-for-a-daunting-path/ dead January 31, 2013 For PA-12 hopefuls, not being the special election nominee means a daunting path March 24, 2010 March 27, 2010 pa2010.com John Manganaro however, Jack Hanna, the chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party's southwestern caucus, said "There's going to be a lackluster turnout in part because of the governor's race not generating the kind of interest that usually occurs, especially with an open seat."http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003654263 Gubernatorial Turnout May Affect Murtha Special May 4, 2010 May 4, 2010 CQ Politics Shira ToeplitzAugust 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes The special election coinciding with the primary also meant that Critz and Burns were running against one another, while also running against opponents from within their own parties in the regularly scheduled primary.http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/03/tim_burns_awkwa.php Tim Burns' Awkward Position March 12, 2010 March 12, 2010 The Hotline Reid Wilson https://web.archive.org/web/20100325010436/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/03/tim_burns_awkwa.php March 25, 2010 dead On March 19, 2010, Republican candidate William Russell, who lost the Republican nomination to Burns and also ran against Burns in the regularly scheduled primary, stated that he would not directly support Burns as a protest against the process by which Burns was selected, saying "I won't support a process that is not open and free." Russell also said he would vote for himself as a write-in candidate in the special election.http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/gop-wants-party-unity-but-russels-not-budging-will-write-in-himself-for-special/ GOP wants party unity, but Russel's not budging; will write-in himself for special March 22, 2010 March 27, 2010 pa2010.com John Manganaro https://web.archive.org/web/20100531021013/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/gop-wants-party-unity-but-russels-not-budging-will-write-in-himself-for-special/ May 31, 2010 dead Burns's campaign manager said that Burns would focus on the special election rather than the simultaneous primary, saying "If we can get enough support going in the special then we'll have the primary too."http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/hit-on-both-sides-burns-focuses-on-one/ Hit on both sides, Burns focuses on one March 29, 2010 April 4, 2010 pa2010.com John Manganaro https://web.archive.org/web/20160130110116/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/hit-on-both-sides-burns-focuses-on-one/ January 30, 2016 dead The candidacy of Libertarian Party nominee Demo Agoris may also have detracted from Burns's share of the vote.https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/66472-libertarian-may-cause-gop-headaches-in-pennsylvania-special-election/ Libertarian may cause GOP headaches in Pennsylvania special election April 12, 2010 April 13, 2010 The Hill Sean J. Miller In March 2010, Robert Gleason, chair of the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania, described a Republican victory as "doable".http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2010/03/pa-democrats-nominating-candidate-for-murthas-seat-today/1 PA Democrats pick candidate for Murtha's seat March 8, 2010 March 9, 2010 USA Today Kathy Kiely Burns announced his opposition to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act at a "Kill the Bill Rally" on March 19, describing the bill as "probably the worst piece of legislation in American history". He went on to tell the crowd that he had asked Critz to "simply state his position" on the bill, but had not yet seen a statement from Critz.http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_078233012.html Health bill foes rally March 19, 2010 March 22, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Arlene JohnsAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot On March 30, Critz received the endorsement of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/afl-cio-backs-pike-others-in-contested-house-primaries/ AFL-CIO backs Pike, others in contested House primaries March 30, 2010 April 4, 2010 pa2010.com Dan Hirschhorn Dan Hirschhorn https://web.archive.org/web/20100406013309/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/afl-cio-backs-pike-others-in-contested-house-primaries/ April 6, 2010 dead The next day, Burns received the endorsement of Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2010/03/pawlenty_announ_1.shtml Pawlenty announces endorsements March 31, 2010 April 4, 2010 Minnesota Public Radio Tom Scheck Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich campaigned for Burns on April 22,http://www.timesonline.com/bct_news/news_details/article/1373/2010/april/20/gingrich-to-stump-for-gop-in-race-for-murtha-seat.html Gingrich to stump for GOP in race for Murtha seat April 20, 2010 April 20, 2010 The Beaver County Times while Vice President Joe Biden campaigned for Critz on April 23.https://www.politico.com/story/2010/04/biden-will-campaign-for-murtha-aide-035685 Biden will campaign for Murtha aide April 13, 2010 April 13, 2010 Politico Jake Sherman On April 26, Burns received the endorsement of former Governor of Alaska and 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin;https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/04/26/palin-endorses-in-pa-special-election/ Palin Endorses in Pa. Special Election April 26, 2010 April 28, 2010 The Wall Street Journal Susan Davis while on April 28, Critz received the endorsement of the United Steelworkers.http://www.whptv.com/news/state/story/Steelworkers-back-Dem-in-race-for-Murtha-seat/RcATK5bZj0ec4FdjF9eV8w.cspx Steelworkers back Dem. in race for Murtha seat April 28, 2010 April 28, 2010 WHP-TVSeptember 2010 H3llBot yes On May 3, 2010, Burns announced that Republican U.S. Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts would campaign with him in Washington, Pennsylvania on May 14.http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1691792964/Outsiders-join-in-12th-district-House-race Outsiders join in 12th district House race May 3, 2010 May 4, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Mike Faher The same day, Critz announced that Democratic Governor Joe Manchin of West Virginia would join him at a campaign event. Musician Jon Bauman of doo-wop group Sha Na Na also campaigned for Critz in May.http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2010/05/04/news/local/news027.txt Doo Wop icon campaigning for Critz May 4, 2010 May 8, 2010 Daily American Michelle GanassiAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Burns' first television advertisement began airing on March 31,http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/burns-launches-first-tv-ad/ Burns launches first TV ad March 31, 2010 April 4, 2010 pa2010.com Dan Hirschhorn Dan Hirschhorn https://web.archive.org/web/20100406013334/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/burns-launches-first-tv-ad/ April 6, 2010 dead while Critz's first advertisement was launched a day later.http://www.pa2010.com/2010/04/critz-says-hes-on-the-air/ Critz says he's on the air April 1, 2010 April 4, 2010 pa2010.com Dan Hirschhorn Dan Hirschhorn https://web.archive.org/web/20100408132959/http://www.pa2010.com/2010/04/critz-says-hes-on-the-air/ April 8, 2010 dead On April 9, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) reported having spent $200,000 on Burns's campaign.http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/04/nrcc_playing_in.php NRCC Playing In PA April 10, 2010 April 10, 2010 The Hotline Tim Sahd https://web.archive.org/web/20100414111644/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/04/nrcc_playing_in.php April 14, 2010 dead Critz's campaign also ran advertisements stating his opposition to "tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs overseas",https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tim-burns-mark-critz-battle-as-pennsylvania-house-special-election-goes-down-to-the-wire/ Tim Burns, Mark Critz Battle as Pennsylvania House Special Election Goes Down to the Wire May 13, 2010 May 14, 2010 CBS News Robert Hendin while Burns criticized Critz's relationship with Murtha's ethics scandals. The NRCC also launched an advertisement linking Critz to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;https://www.politico.com/story/2010/04/gop-ties-critz-to-health-care-035677 GOP ties Critz to health care April 12, 2010 April 13, 2010 Politico Josh Kraushaar to which Critz responded by releasing an advertisement stating he had opposed the legislation. Critz also described himself in the advertisement as "pro-life and pro-gun."http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/17/pennsylvania-democrat-denies-supporting-health-care-reform/ https://archive.today/20120718001012/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/17/pennsylvania-democrat-denies-supporting-health-care-reform/ dead July 18, 2012 Pennsylvania Democrat denies supporting health care reform April 17, 2010 April 17, 2010 CNN Charles Riley Paul Steinhauser Critz later said he would not support repeal of the legislation, following which Burns accused him of "playing both sides of the issue" on health care.http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OWE3NjM1NjA0ZTFiZDY1MTRmZGFjODgwZDdjY2UyZjQ= The Repeal Debate in PA-12 April 30, 2010 May 1, 2010 National Review Online Ramesh Ponnuru Ramesh Ponnuru https://web.archive.org/web/20100505192424/http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OWE3NjM1NjA0ZTFiZDY1MTRmZGFjODgwZDdjY2UyZjQ= May 5, 2010 dead Burns was criticised for having served as an executive in a healthcare company which deferred taxes on income earned overseas.https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/66583-corporate-taxes-become-an-issue-in-pennsylvanias-special-election/ Corporate taxes become an issue in Pennsylvania's special election April 12, 2010 April 13, 2010 The Hill Sean J. Miller Critz was criticised for his record as John Murtha's director of economic development, in which unemployment rates rose in every county within the 12th district.http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2010/04/08/news/state/s_news292.txt Burns, Critz spar over job creation April 8, 2010 April 13, 2010 Daily American Michelle Ganassi August 20, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100820103942/http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2010/04/08/news/state/s_news292.txt dead In an interview with RealClearPolitics on April 22, Burns referenced a controversial comment made by then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in April 2008, in which Obama said people in rural Pennsylvania "get bitter, they cling to guns or religion ... as a way to explain their frustrations."https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2008/04/obama-on-small-town-pa-clinging-to-religion-guns-xenophobia-007737 Obama on small-town Pa.: Clinging to religion, guns, xenophobia April 11, 2008 May 1, 2010 Politico Ben Smith Ben Smith (journalist) Burns said "People do cling to their Bibles and their guns here. And I wouldn't apologize for it and people are not embarrassed by it."http://www.realclearpolitics.com/politics_nation/2010/04/burns_aims_for_first_gop_house.html Burns Aims For First GOP House Pickup April 22, 2010 April 28, 2010 RealClearPolitics Mike Memoli Burns's campaign website crashed on April 23, during a moneybomb focusing on Joe Biden's visit to the district.https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/67722-tim-burns-website-crashes-amid-fundraising-push/ Tim Burns website crashes amid fundraising push April 23, 2010 May 1, 2010 The Hill Sean J. Miller Spokesman Kent Gates initially cited "a problem with the hosting company", but the Burns campaign later claimed in a fundraising email that the site was "attacked".https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/68334-house-candidate-tim-burns-says-website-attacked/ House candidate Tim Burns says website 'attacked' April 30, 2010 May 1, 2010 The Hill Sean J. Miller Gates told The Hill ""it is true that the site was hacked at some level" and that a "disgruntled employee" may have been responsible. As of May 7, 2010, Burns had a cash on hand advantage over Critz, with US$308,000 to Critz's $73,000. The National Republican Congressional Committee has spent $728,000 on Burns' behalf, while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has spent $341,000 in support of Critz.http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/05/critz-down-in-cash-with-12-day.html Burns Flush With Cash With 12 Days To Go May 7, 2010 May 8, 2010 CQ Politics Shira Toeplitz https://web.archive.org/web/20100513084532/http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/05/critz-down-in-cash-with-12-day.html May 13, 2010 dead Debates Burns and Critz attended a debate held on May 5, 2010, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1036629622/Burns-Critz-spar-over-campaign-issues Burns, Critz spar over campaign issues May 6, 2010 The Tribune-Democrat Mike Faher The candidates addressed issues including Social Security privatization (which Burns promised to oppose), the FairTax proposal (which Burns said would not be practical), and Critz's relationship with the "liberal agenda" (Critz reiterated his opposition to the health care reform legislation passed by Congress, while Burns advocated repeal). Critz also endorsed the repeal of the don't ask, don't tell policy.http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/mark-critz-and-tim-burns-debate-in-pa-12-92971519.html Mark Critz and Tim Burns debate in PA-12 May 6, 2010 May 6, 2010 The San Francisco ExaminerAugust 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Polling Poll source Date(s) administered Samplesize Margin oferror Mark Critz (D) Tim Burns (R) DemoAgoris (L) Other Undecided Public Policy Polling (report) May 15–16, 2010 831 ±3.4% 47% 48% – – 6% Susquehanna Polling & Research (report) May 10, 2010 400 ±4.9% 44% 38% – – – Anzalone Liszt1 1 (report) April 27–29, 2010 406 ? 43% 41% – – – Global Strategy Group2 2 (reportAugust 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes ) April 27–29, 2010 400 ±4.9% 45% 37% – – – 44% 36% 2% – – Public Policy Polling (report) April 17–18, 2010 1,197 ±2.8% 41% 44% – – 13% McLaughlin & Associates3 3 (report) April 15, 2010 300 ±5.6% 40% 39% – – 21% We Ask America (report) March 15, 2010 1,365 ±2.65% 38.83% 34.73% – – 26.45% Gene Ulm, Public Opinion Strategies4 4 (report) March 14–15, 2010 400 ±4.9% 41% 45% – – 13% Pittsburgh Tribune-Review/Susquehanna Polling & Research (report https://web.archive.org/web/20110711123153/http://grassrootspa.com/blogcore/pdf/SusquehannaCD12.pdf July 11, 2011 ) March 14–15, 2010 400 ±4.9% 36% 31% – 2% 31% Results Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district special election, 2010http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/ElectionsInformation.aspx?FunctionID=13&ElectionID=35&OfficeID=11 2010 Special Election for the 12th Congressional District May 19, 2010 Pennsylvania Department of State dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100522155728/http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/ElectionsInformation.aspx?FunctionID=13&ElectionID=35&OfficeID=11 May 22, 2010 Democratic Party (United States) Mark Critz 70,915 52.6 Republican Party (United States) Tim Burns 60,740 45.1 Libertarian Party (United States) Demo Agoris 3,158 2.3 134,813 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States)By county County Critz % Burns % Agoris % Allegheny 519 57.6% 359 39.9% 23 2.6% Armstrong 3,392 41.9% 4,454 55.0% 246 3.0% Cambria 19,216 57.2% 13,864 41.3% 500 1.5% Fayette 11,176 59.2% 7,352 39.0% 343 1.8% Greene 5,164 56.7% 3,716 40.8% 224 2.5% Indiana 1,540 42.5% 1,990 54.9% 93 2.6% Somerset 4,269 48.3% 4,430 50.1% 144 1.6% Washington 10,485 49.7% 9,715 46.0% 914 4.3% Westmoreland 15,154 49.4% 14,860 48.4% 671 2.2% Aftermath On election day, Critz prevailed over Burns by a greater than expected marginhttps://fivethirtyeight.com/features/does-critz-victory-mean-that-much/ Does Critz Victory Mean That Much? May 19, 2010 May 19, 2010 FiveThirtyEight Tom Schaller Thomas Schaller May 22, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100522073809/http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/05/does-critz-victory-mean-that-much.html dead of 52.6 percent to Burns's 45.1 percent. Critz's election was the eleventh straight Democratic victory in special elections to the House of Representatives. Burns, in his concession speech, said "I didn't get in this race to win an election, I got in this race to play my small part in helping to save this country. This isn't a loss – this is a setback."http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-now/2010/05/tim_burns_the_day_after.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120927204706/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-now/2010/05/tim_burns_the_day_after.html dead September 27, 2012 Tim Burns: The day after May 19, 2010 May 19, 2010 The Washington Post David Weigel David Weigel The Pennsylvania Republican Party and Burns's campaign planned to file a complaint in response to allegations that Critz was campaigning inside polling places on election day, and that "about 170" voters in Fayette County were given two ballot papers for the special election.http://www.wjactv.com/news/23608051/detail.html Controversies Surround Aftermath Of 12th District U.S. Rep. Election May 19, 2010 May 19, 2010 WJAC-TV May 21, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100521060440/http://www.wjactv.com/news/23608051/detail.html dead Michael Steele, chair of the Republican National Committee issued a statement saying Burns had "pushed his Democratic opponent to the wire by campaigning against the liberal agenda of national Democrats ... This race should serve notice to Democratic officeholders everywhere that no seat is safe and that voters will not accept business-as-usual."http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/18/steele-responds-to-gop-loss-in-pennsylvania-special-election/ Steele responds to GOP loss in Pennsylvania special election May 18, 2010 May 19, 2010 CNN May 21, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100521033448/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/18/steele-responds-to-gop-loss-in-pennsylvania-special-election/ dead Former Republican U.S. Representative Tom Davis, however, asked "If you can't win a seat that is trending Republican in a year like this, then where is the wave?"http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/blogging-the-primaries/ Blogging the Primaries May 18, 2010 May 19, 2010 The New York Times Stuart Rothenberg of the non-partisan Rothenberg political report, however, has stated that even though Democrats were able to win a competitive race to hold on to Murtha's former seat, "But the road doesn't necessarily get easier for Democrats. Critz was pro-life, pro-gun, and opposed the health care reform bill that many vulnerable Democratic incumbents supported." Rothenberg still predicts that Republicans will make substantial gains,Rothenberg The https://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2010/05/pa-12-moved-to-lean-democratic.html The Rothenberg Political Report: PA 12 Moved to Lean Democratic Rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com May 19, 2010 August 21, 2010 which suggests that this could be a pyrrhic victory for Democrats comparable to the Republican win in 2006 special House election in California's 50th congressional district in which the ruling party managed to hold onto a district in a special election, but still lost control of Congress months later. Critz and Burns each received their parties' nomination for the regularly scheduled general election for the seat and faced each other again in November 2010 for a full two-year term, with Critz beating Burns for a second time. Notes 1. 1 Poll conducted on behalf of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. 2. 2 Poll conducted on behalf of Mark Critz's campaign. 3. 3 Poll conducted on behalf of the American Action Network, a conservative organization.http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/morning-fix/pennyslvaniaspecialelection.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120129011548/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/morning-fix/pennyslvaniaspecialelection.html dead January 29, 2012 Republicans tout new poll showing Pa. special election competitive April 20, 2010 April 20, 2010 The Washington Post Chris Cillizza Chris Cillizza 4. 4 Ulm is a Republican strategist and pollster.http://pos.org/about/partners-and-vice-presidents/gene-ulm-va/ Gene Ulm (VA) April 20, 2010 Public Opinion Strategies https://web.archive.org/web/20120305071340/http://pos.org/about/partners-and-vice-presidents/gene-ulm-va/ March 5, 2012 dead References 30em External linksDebatesPennsylvania 12th District Special Election Candidates Debate, C-SPAN, May 5, 2010Official candidate sites' Demo Agoris Tim Burns https://web.archive.org/web/20100310140009/http://www.timburnsforcongress.com/ March 10, 2010 Mark Critz Barbara Hafer Pennsylvania 2010 12 Pennsylvania 2010 12 2010 12 Special Pennsylvania 12 Special United States House of Representatives 12 Special United States House of Representatives 2010 12