Congressional races in Western Pa. region revving up
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U.S. Rep. Mark Critz
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The United Steelworkers union announced its support Monday of U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown, in the increasingly competitive race for the new 12th Congressional District.
In congressional matters next door in the 18th District, Democrat Larry Maggi, the chairman of the Washington County commissioners, announced he would get into the race to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair.
Nominating petitions for statewide races go into circulation this week, so momentum is picking up speed in the run-up to the state's April 24 primary. Republican mapmakers combined the seats of Mr. Critz and fellow Democratic incumbent Jason Altmire of McCandless, forcing them to face off then, so both men have exactly three months to introduce themselves to new constituents.
The endorsement by the Steelworkers union, and its 32,000 active and retired members, should go a long way to help Mr. Critz do that in Mr. Altmire's backyard in suburbs north of Pittsburgh.
"Mark has always been there, not just for the Steelworkers union, but for working families," said union president Leo Gerard at the announcement at union headquarters Downtown.
Not a word was said about Mr. Altmire at the event, as union officials said they hoped to keep the primary campaign from turning negative. "This is a very positive thing for us," said Tim Waters, the USW's political director. Republicans in charge of redistricting "threw them together and would like to see them fighting each other."
The most heated rhetoric came when talking about fighting for manufacturing and working-class jobs.
Mr. Critz was a former aide to the late Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha, and the candidate said Mr. Murtha taught him that "sometimes you have to throw elbows. You have to stick your neck out. And I haven't been afraid to fight anyone when it comes to the values of working men and women, and our seniors."
Labor support is key for Mr. Critz in his primary battle with Mr. Altmire, who currently represents more of the new district than Mr. Critz, has been in Congress longer and -- at last count -- had more campaign funds. Mr. Critz has lately announced endorsements, too, from the United Mine Workers and the Laborers' District Council of Western Pennsylvania.
On the Republican side, state Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-Bradford Woods, is set to officially join the race soon for the 12th District, probably facing Edgeworth attorney Keith Rothfus, who came within 2 percentage points of beating Mr. Altmire in 2010.
Next door in the 18th District, Mr. Maggi said he was running to bring the story of Washington County's economic success -- much of it from natural gas exploration -- to the national stage.
"It just seems there is so much going on in D.C. that I hear that is beyond my control as a commissioner," the Democrat said. "We've done pretty well in Washington County with jobs -- we're the third-fastest-growing county in the nation in job growth -- and I want to take that experience and go to D.C."
Mr. Maggi, 61, is a Marine Corps veteran and former state trooper for 24 years. He was elected Washington County sheriff in 1998 and commissioner five years later. He ran for the 18th District seat in 2002 but lost by 9 percentage points in the primary to fellow Democrat Jack Machek.
In April's GOP primary, Mr. Murphy is facing off against former U.S. Senate staffer and Peters native Evan Feinberg.
First Published January 24, 2012 12:00 am
