Reaction continues to flow following the unexpected death of U.S. Rep. John Murtha on Monday.

President Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack’s tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family.”



Primary or special election?



Meanwhile, Gov. Ed Rendell, who said, “Pennsylvania has lost one of its greatest citizens,” following Murtha’s death on Monday, indicated that he will decide soon whether to hold an election for Murtha’s successor in the Johnstown-area congressional district on May 18 when the state holds its Primary Election, or whether to hold a special election in that district on another date.

His "inclination is to save the state money by holding the special election on primary day in May," Rendell said Monday.

However, during a telephone news conference, the governor said it may not be possible to wait until May 18 to fill the seat.

''There are many important issues Congress may have to decide before that."

State Democratic and Republican committees will have to choose their candidate to compete for the seat, he said, but added, "This is not the day to talk about that."

According to election officials, the election must be held at least 60 days after Mr. Rendell issues the order for a special election, to allow time for campaigning.

Each of the major parties can nominate a candidate for the seat. Independent candidates can run if they can get a certain number of petition signatures.

Holding the special election on May 18 could benefit the Democratic contender, because a large turnout of Democrats is expected for the U.S. Senate battle between incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter and his challenger, U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak. Holding the election on a date before May 18 could benefit Republicans, since they are known to turn out for such elections.



Gubernatorial candidates raising cash



The filing deadline for party nominations isn’t up until March 9, but early frontrunners in the Pennsylvania governor’s race are Attorney General Tom Corbett, a Republican, and Allegheny County chief executive Dan Onorato, a Democrat. Onorato has amassed an impressive campaign war chest of more than $6 million, 10 times more than his nearest Democratic opponent, state Auditor General Jack Wagner.



Debate heats up senatorial campaign



Friday’s debate in Lancaster between two Democratic Senate candidates, Sen. Arlen Specter and his primary opponent Rep. Joe Sestak, featured some sharp barbs and criticisms during a roughly 30-minute session that featured questions on health care, Iran and women’s rights.

The debate was hosted by the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee Women’s Caucus at the party’s winter meeting and was attended by about 100 committee members and activists.

Sestak, in particular, aggressively criticized Specter after nearly every one of the questions, which were asked by members of the Women’s Caucus. He highlighted the senator’s support of the Iraq war and and President Bush’s tax cuts while emphasizing that U.S. Senator Scott Brown’s (D-Mass.) election in January showed that voters want change in Washington.

“I may not be the best of politician, but I promise you this: I believe in the principles of the Democratic Party,” said Sestak, who represents the 7th Congressional District.

Specter acknowledged Sestak’s aggressive tone during his closing remarks.

“I’ve taken quite a few barbs,” the senator said. “I’ve seen Congressman Sestak talk more about me than policy.”

Specter shot back, asking Sestak to “explain why he missed 127 votes” during his time in Congress.

“I’d prefer to discuss issues … but I thought I’d inject that myself,” the senator said.

Sestak responded that Specter himself had the Senate’s fifth-worst voting record.

“I’ll compare my voting record for Democratic principles, any day, any time,” Sestak said.

Voters can expect more of this as the primary approaches.

Meanwhile, officials in the Democratic party are taking the in-fighting between Republican candidates for U.S. Senate and using their words as ammunition against the party front runner, Pat Toomey.

Isn’t that what politics is all about?

A few days after newcomer Peg Luksik, of Johnstown, narrowly lost to Republican front runner Pat Toomey in a Northumberland County Republican Committee Straw poll, 21-20, Dems sent out an email quoting Luksik.

“The Democrats are already getting their message out about Toomey’s background on Wall Street. Pat’s background and history is what it is. He is extremely wealthy. It’s hard to run away from who you are,’’ said Luksik.

The email suggested that maybe not all Pennsylvania Republicans are on board with Toomey.

Luksik is trying to paint Toomey as a “moderate” Republican.

“That’s what he is, just check his voting record,” she said last week.

Luksik said Toomey’s advantage in the polls over Democratic hopefuls Specter and Sestak does not mean Toomey is headed for an automatic victory.



Zalar’s kick-off party a success



A kick-off party for George Zalar’s campaign was held Saturday in Shamokin and despite the snow, it was a success.

“It was very nice, we had great participation,” the 40-year-old Democrat said Tuesday.

About 75 people showed up to express support for the 10-year Coal Township Commissioner, including a speech from retiring Rep. Bob Belfanti Jr.

“I thanked the people there, told them why I was running, what I plan to offer, and most importantly what we need to do as far as the calendar,” he said. “Everyone there signed up as far as working, it as very nice. I was very impressed with the support.”

Zalar is planning an event for March 7 – the final day of circulating petitions – to make sure everything is ready to take to Harrisburg.

Until then, it’s about staying focused.

“I need to do this one step at a time and continue to work,” he said.

Republican Kurt Masser, also vying for the seat, has not held an official kickoff party yet but said it is in the planning stages.

“I have reached out to people across the district asking for their support,” the 44-year-old Northumberland County Commissioner said Tuesday, including attending the Montour County Republican Committee meeting Monday night in Danville. “It went very well. I talked and shared my message, it was very well received.”

Fundraisers and get togethers are also in the planning stages, and will be announced as they are ready.



Election Calendar



Feb. 16: First day to circulate and file nomination petitions

March 9: Last day to circulate and file nomination petitions

April 19: Last day to register to vote before the Primary Election

May 18: Primary Election



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