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Critz lukewarm (at best) on Obama

With President Obama suffering from low approval ratings in the 12th Congressional District, Democrat Mark Critz seems decidedly coy about whether it wants—or even asked for—Obama’s support.

The president’s backing is, of course, assumed, as the head of the Democratic Party for which Critz is trying to hold the seat left open by the late John Murtha.

Nevertheless, when asked by The Hill whether the campaign had Obama’s endorsement, a campaign spokeswoman said that “we’re proud of all the support we’ve received from Democrats and Republicans. This race is about Western Pennsylvania, and fighting for jobs and economic development is Mark’s focus on the campaign and will be his focus in Congress.”

The campaign wouldn’t say whether Critz has asked for the president’s endorsement.

Vice President Joe Biden has already headlined a fundraiser on behalf of Critz, and a White House aide seemed to tell the Capitol newspaper that any question about Obama’s support was a moot point.

“You probably won’t be surprised to hear this,” the aide said, “but when the [vice president] travels in support of a candidate, he’s articulating the president’s support for that candidate.”

Critz faces Republican Tim Burns in the May 18 special election to finish out Murtha’s term.

May 5, 2010 at 10:45 am

--pa2010.com Staff

Tags: Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Mark Critz, PA-12, Tim Burns

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