Politics / John Murtha Democrats Retain Murtha Seat in Congress Mark Critz defeats Republican Tim Burns in Pennsylvania By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted May 18, 2010 10:05 PM CDT Copied Mark Critz talks with reporters after he voted in Johnstown, Pa., Tuesday. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) Democrats will retain control of the seat held for decades by the late Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha after winning a special election to fill the final months of his term. Both parties viewed the contest as a test for the fall. Murtha aide Mark Critz defeated businessman Tim Burns. The two will have a rematch in the November general election after also winning their respective primaries. (More John Murtha stories.) Report an error