Critz is trading on his years with Murtha, Murtha’s record and his popularity with unions (his particular constituency is full of them). It’s going to be tough. Plus people tend to vote for who they know. Stupid logic. The voters knew that Murtha was a douchebag, but because they knew him, they would vote for him time after time. A relative unknown like Burns or even Russell has a very slim chance without a lot of financial backing and any other kind of support they can get.
The RCCC has spent $80,000 more on the Burns campaign than the DCCC has spent on Critz. Also, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has given Burns $100,000. He has more money on-hand now than Critz.
The voters kept Murtha in office because he brought money into the district. The voters gave up their integrity for bennies. Murtha was unique. Anyone else is unproven so it is kind of a level playing field, even for the greedy voters and union thugs of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Other candidates have a shot at the seat in my opinion. Maybe enough of the voters will make a rational decision this time around, especially because the Democrats are so obviously corrupt and, worse, ignore the wishes of their constituents. Everybody knows that Obama's policies have been disastrous to our country, especially our children, grand children, and great grandchildren.