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. Read These Next Ivanka and Jared are making headlines again. 200 images of the Idaho murder scene have been released. Phoenix just broke a record it probably didn't want to break. Cybertruck has an unlikely new group that wants to blow it up. Report an error