PA-12 Special Election/PPP: Democrats risk losing seat to the Republicans

[J. J.]

Isn't this a swing district?

Recently? Yes. In the past? It was(would be) a very strong Democratic district.

It has been held by the GOP since 1974, with part of the district (basically Westmoreland County) being Democratic since 1932. 

To put it into perspective, I think my great grandfather voted for the last successful Republican for Congress there, in 1930.  He died in 1939.

[J. J.]

Outside of his anti-war stance, Murtha was hardly a Democrat, so it's not like it's any big ideological shift if Burns wins.

I was under the impression he was a typical economically liberal and socially moderate-conservative West PA Dem (other than his opposition to the Iraq War, as you said). I doubt that's the case with Burns.

He was basically very pro-union, anti-free trade.  Economically, I'd say liberal.

[J. J.]

Outside of his anti-war stance, Murtha was hardly a Democrat, so it's not like it's any big ideological shift if Burns wins.

I was under the impression he was a typical economically liberal and socially moderate-conservative West PA Dem (other than his opposition to the Iraq War, as you said). I doubt that's the case with Burns.

He was basically very pro-union, anti-free trade.  Economically, I'd say liberal.

BUT you and I both know why McCain won there.

BUT, traditionally, to win there, you had to be very pro-union, and very anti free trade.  That has changed.

[J. J.]

Susquehanna has Critz up, by eight, I think.

[J. J.]

Dem polls says GOP +3
GOP Poll says Dem +8


This is interesting.

Susquehanna doesn't exactly have a good record.