Weds: Critz closing, Dems reserve ad time
Good morning.
Democrat Mark Critz has the momentum in his 12th district faceoff with Jason Altmire, closing to within 4 points of his McCandless opponent within a week of Tuesday's primary, according to a Tribune-Review/Susquehanna Research poll.
Whoever wins that race, the DCCC has reserved more than $2 million in Pittsburgh/Johnstown TV advertising space post Labor Day to defend the seat and go after the PA18 seat incumbent Republican Tim Murphy holds (though he too faces challenger Evan Feinberg Tuesday). It's part of a $32 million effort by the congressional campaign committee to counterbalance huge GOP-friendly spending by SuperPACs in the fall, Politico reports.\
UPDATE: Keith Rothfus -- the Republican facing either Altmire or Critz in PA12 -- released a statement on the DCCC ad buy:
“I am emboldened by this news because it shows how desperate the Democrats are in trying to convince us, the hard working people of Southwestern Pennsylvania, that their failed economic policies, continued addiction to spending, and big government agenda is the right choice for the PA-12. I look forward to continuing my message of empowering the people and the job creators rather than the government and the bureaucrats, and letting the people of Southwest PA know they have a choice. The Washington bureaucrats are turning off the lights in Pennsylvania and across the country, we intend to keep them on.”
There are still two other Republicans in the presidential race (including Newt Gingrich, who showed at last night's GOP dinner in Lancaster) but the party brass in Pa is getting behind Mitt Romney. Gov. Corbett got on board yesterday and today it's state chairman Rob Gleason. From a statement:
“Today, we are proud to join Governor Tom Corbett, Senator Toomey and other top Republicans in endorsing Mitt Romney as our next president and the candidate who will get our country back on the path to fiscal security and prosperity. Mitt Romney is the leader our nation needs to restore Americans’ faith in their government and put our nation back on a path of lasting prosperity. Governor Romney has the experience needed to balance the budget, reduce our debt, lower taxes, reign in government and create an environment where business can thrive,” Chairman Rob Gleason said.