Pa. GOP picks Burns as nominee for Murtha's seat

[March 12, 2010]  PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Republicans in Pennsylvania have nominated a political newcomer to fill the congressional seat of the late Rep. John Murtha.

Tim Burns is a 41-year-old millionaire businessman and a native of Murtha's hometown of Johnstown. Burns now lives in the town of Eighty Four, about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh.

Burns beat out retired Army officer Bill Russell, who mounted a strong challenge against Murtha in 2008. Burns bested Russell by 85 votes to 46 at a GOP meeting Thursday at St. Vincent College.

Burns will face Democrat Mark Critz in the May 18 special election to fill the remaining eight months of Murtha's term. Critz was Murtha's former district director.

Murtha died Feb. 8 following complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 77.

[Associated Press]

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