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Pennsylvania Democrats Confirm Critz as Nominee in Murtha Special

Mark Critz (D) was selected Monday as his party’s nominee for the May 18 special election to succeed his former boss, the late Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.).

The Pennsylvania Democratic Executive Committee picked Critz — Murtha’s district director — with 30 votes, while former state Treasurer Barbara Hafer garnered 18 votes and Navy veteran Ryan Bucchianeri scored just one vote. Local Democrats voted to recommend Critz on Saturday, but their vote was considered nonbinding because the state executive committee had the final say.

Republicans will pick their special election nominee, either 2008 Murtha challenger Bill Russell or businessman Tim Burns, on Thursday.

All of the candidates have indicated that they plan to run in the regular primaries for a full term on May 18, the same day as the special election.

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