PA-12/Susquehanna (R): Altmire leads Critz by 4 in DEM primary

[Tender Branson]

43% Altmire
39% Critz

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/images/video/2012_pdfs/0418pgPoll.pdf

[MilesC56]

I'm pulling for Critz. Altmire is young, so if he loses this, he can run statewide in the future. I was also quite disappointed that Altmire was whipping votes in favor of this gerrymander during redistricting.

[krazen1211]

Critz is beatable while Altmire probably is not. Go Critz!

[Keystone Phil]

At this point, I think Critz takes it. He's going to have the superior GOTV effort/more fired up supporters. I, too, am rooting for him in the primary.

[Torie]

Yes, I can't see Critz winning the General. I would be one voter who would vote for Altmire, but not for Critz. Grumps who lives in the CD might be in the same category. I don't think Critz has much crossover appeal in the upmarket Pittsburg suburbs at all. Johnstown won't be enough for him. Of course, if the Pub is a dud ...

[Keystone Phil]

The Republican is Keith Rothfus. He ran against Altmire in 2010 and barely lost.

[ex-Senator X]

The Republican is Keith Rothfus. He ran against Altmire in 2010 and barely lost.

Which might matter if 2012 was going to be even remotely like the 2010 environment.  Critz could lose in 2014, but I don't see him losing to Rothfus.  I think Critz gets underestimated quite a bit.

[Badger]

The Republican is Keith Rothfus. He ran against Altmire in 2010 and barely lost.

That he lost, period, to a 2 term Democrat representing a swing/mcCain district in 2010 PA speaks much more about his appeal then the fact it was close.

Though Altmire's strength as a candidate doesn't hurt.

On the third hand, much the same comparison could be made about Critz and his last opponent....

[Keystone Phil]

People didn't expect Rothfus to even make it close whereas Burns vs. Critz had more of a reason to be a nail biter. Plus, Altmire is a good campaigner. That all being said, I agree that he still isn't the strongest candidate. I wasn't talking up Rothfus as if he was extremely popular.

By the way, this snow storm is supposed to wallop Critz's turf. I might have to revise my prediction and pick Altmire to win it.

[Wrecking Ball and Chain]

I'm for Altmire for the reasons Torie mentioned.

[Keystone Phil]

I'm for Altmire for the reasons Torie mentioned.

Confirmed by the reason why I'm rooting for Critz.

[Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Still garbage.