Poll: 12th District Race Very Close

A new poll sponsored by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Susquehanna Polling and Research shows the upcoming special election to replace Rep. John Murtha is very close.

According to the poll, Democrat Mark Critz holds the lead over Republican Tim Burns 36 to 31 in the 12th District race.

The poll also found an increase in the popularity of grassroots efforts that could work in Burns' favor.

Tom Smith, president of the Indiana-Armstrong Patriots, said the group's mission is to make sure the government is enforcing the Constitution.

"We've stood by and done nothing. We've stood by and said little. Well, the time to be quiet and not to get involved is long since past. And that is what this group is all about," Smith said.

Smith said the group started with about 30 members and now has 300 registered members. He said they support lowering taxes and less federal spending, and are against federal bailouts and takeover of the heath care system.

Burns and Critz will face off in the May 18 special election to fill the remaining eight months of Murtha's term. Murtha died Feb. 8 following complications from gallbladder surgery.

Stay with WJACTV.com and WJAC-TV News for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: March 12, 2010: GOP Picks Burns As Nominee To Fill Murtha's Seat March 11, 2010: Chamber Mulls Over Business After Murtha March 11, 2010: Murtha's Death Creates Challenges For Businesses Outside District March 3, 2010: Murtha Honored With Special Ceremony On Capitol Hill February 18, 2010: Naval Hospital Reviewing Late Rep. Murtha's Care February 17, 2010: Mourners Gather To Bid Final Farewell To Rep. Murtha February 16, 2010: Filling US Rep John Murtha's Seat In This Difficult Time February 15, 2010: Veterans Remember U.S. Rep. John Murtha February 14, 2010: Thousands Say Goodbye To US Rep. John Murtha February 13, 2010: Preparations Made For US Rep. John Murtha's Funeral February 12, 2010: Johnstown Students Learn About US Rep. John Murtha February 12, 2010: Detours, Shuttle Service Planned For Murtha's Funeral Services February 10, 2010: Funeral Plans Finalized For U.S. Rep. John Murtha February 10, 2010: Wa. Rep Plans To Look Into Murtha's Surgery February 9, 2010: Vets React To News Of Rep. Murtha's Death February 8, 2010: Rep. Shuster Reacts To Rep. Murtha's Death February 8, 2010: Rep. Glenn Thompson: Murtha's Expertise Will Be Missed February 8, 2010: Congressman John Murtha Dies At Age 77