Republican Leading in Murtha District

A Republican candidate has a six-point lead over his Democratic rival in the race to fill the seat of the late Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa.

The May 18 special election pits businessman Tim Burns against Mark Critz, who was Murtha's aide.

According to a Research 2000 poll, Burns now leads Critz 46 percent to 40 percent. Burns also is ahead of Critz in a Public Policy Polling survey, 44 percent to 41 percent.

Critz may be weighed down by President Barack Obama's unpopularity in the district. According to the Research 2000 poll, the president's favorable rating is 38 percent, while 55 percent give him an unfavorable rating.