2 vying for Murtha’s seat in debate

Associated Press

JOHNSTOWN, Pa.

Two men vying to replace the late Rep. John Murtha are sparring at a debate over jobs, the western Pennsylvania economy and which candidate is running the more negative campaign.

Democrat Mark Critz and Republican Tim Burns are locked in a competitive race to replace Murtha, the powerful Democrat who died in February.

The special election to fill the remainder of Murtha’s term is scheduled for May 18, and the race is getting national scrutiny from the political parties heading into this fall’s midterm election.

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