Both the Democratic and Republican candidates in the special election to fill the late Democratic Rep. John Murtha’s seat agree that job creation is the most important thing as voters head to the polls Tuesday in Pennsylvania’s 12th District.
“Jobs will be my top priority in Congress because that’s what matters to Western Pennsylvanians,” said Democrat Mark Critz.
His Republican opponent Tim Burns also says jobs are top priority, “PA-12 needs jobs.”
“We need to improve the economy. It’s really the economy and jobs,” Burns said.
The Pennsylvania 12th District, deep in the heart of the Appalachian mountains is traditionally a conservative region, but the district has been a Democratic stronghold for 36 years under the leadership and of Murtha, until his untimely death in February. With President Barack Obama’s approval rating at an all time low in the district and voters disgruntled over health care reform, an opportunity has opened up for Republicans to recapture the seat.
Both candidates are also trying to tap into the anti-Washington sentiment.
“PA-12 isn’t really different from the rest of America…we need someone from outside of Washington, somebody that’s been successful in business, never been involved in politics. I created my own business and I think that’s what people are looking for,” said Burns.
Critz says he will keep his eye focused on Washington, Pa., and not Washington, DC.
“Until the polls close, I will continue to travel across the district discussing my plans to create jobs and bring economic development to Western Pennsylvania, Critz said.”
Many around the country are waiting to see how this race will turn out and analysts say it could be a political barometer to determine how fed up voters are with politicians in Washington.