Daily Kos: When a Blue Dog falls in primary, every Democrat in Congress hears it

[happyslug]

16. Critz, is NOT that far to the left of Altmire, and I voted for Critz

Critz and Altmire were two Congressmen thrown into the same district by Pennsylvania's GOP controlled state Legislature. . Critz won for his home base on Cambria County (Johnstown) went for him by 91% of the cast ballots. Altmire beat Critz 2-1 in most of the new district, those parts that had been represented by Altmire, but Altmire could NOT overcome the overwhelming support for Critz out of Cambria and Somerset counties (Which had been part of John Murtha's old district, which Critz took over at the death of Murtha).

The Unions came out big for Critz and against Altmire over Altmire health insurance vote. Murtha had been on the side line of the debate, but had voted for it at the end, and Critz also supported the health care bill (Critz had worked for Murtha and has been seen as Murtha's designated successor especially after Murtha's widow came out to support Critz's election to succeed Murtha).

On Social Issue Critz is conservative, as was his old district and the district he was thrown into. On the other hand he is very pro-union and a clear economic progressive. This tends to make Critz a good match for the district, and an attack on Alrmire's economic left, while the social issues were ignored in the election.