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Hit on both sides, Burns focuses on one

Hit on both sides, Burns focuses on one

Tim Burns is fighting a two-front war in the 12th Congressional District.

On his left looms Mark Critz, riding high after Barbara Hafer’s abrupt withdrawal from the Democratic primary to succeed John Murtha. On his right, fellow Republican Bill Russell continues to fortify his position as the definitive political outsider, ready at a moment’s notice to attack Burns and the state GOP for supposed backroom deals and corruption.

Wedged between these factions, the rookie congressional candidate says his focus is on the special election showdown with Critz, not the same-day primary matchup with Russell.

“Our primary focus right now has to be the special,” Burns campaign manager Tad Rupp told pa2010.com recently. “If we can get enough support going in the special then we’ll have the primary too.”

Though it may seem narrowly-focused, Burns’ strategy appears to make sense. Even if he loses to Critz in the special election, Burns would only need to gather more support than Russell in the primary to win a rematch for the seat in November’s general election. And with both the party and the mechanics of the voting process fighting against Russell, Burns’ best shot looks to be a straight march on Critz.

“I think a lot of people looking at the race from afar would say we are walking a fine line, but that’s not the case on the ground,” Rupp said. “We’re going after Critz.”

The battle against Critz and the Democrats will not be an easy one for Burns, especially in what remains a Democratic district, albeit a relatively conservative one. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has already fired off several salvos at Burns, targeting the wealthy businessman for not voting in some previous elections and for his stance on tax reform.

“Tim Burns’ spotty voting record raises questions about his commitment to western Pennsylvania,” DCCC spokesman Shripal Shah said in a recent statement. “If Burns can’t vote regularly, he can’t be trusted to represent the District’s best interests. He shouldn’t be surprised when the voters don’t show up for him.”

The Democrats’ also opened up about Burns’ support for the so call “fair tax,” proposed legislation that would replace current income, payroll, corporate and employment taxes with a 23 percent sales tax. Under the Fair Tax, Pennsylvanians earning between $15,000 and $200,000 per year would be taxed more, while those earning more than $200,000 would be taxed less, according to an analysis by Factcheck.org.

March 29, 2010 at 11:27 am

--John Manganaro

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  1. Big John Stud

    Mar 29th, 2010

    I’m in the 12th and I’m pretty certain that I’ll vote for Burns in the special election and Russell in the primary. I have nothing against Burns, but I just get a better feeling from Russell. Had their been a primary, Russell would have won and would be on the ballot for the special anyway.

  2. Ed H.

    Mar 29th, 2010

    Boo hoo.

    The GOP funds the Tea Baggers and now they are facing problems from their little pets because it’s backfired.

  3. Mdog

    Mar 29th, 2010

    Colonel Russell is the authentic GOP reform candidate. This candidate, Burns, who was selected at the Rolling Rock Country Club bar by RINOs and Country Club Republicans is as phony as a two dollar bill. The real candidate for Regime Change in the 12th is Russell. The true voice for the little guy; he is so independent that the Gleason establishment wants nothing to do with him. While the Colonel has committed the past 3 years of his life in the battle for this seat and the Party in the 12th, where has the Gleason establishment millionaire been hiding? In his suburban Pittsburgh Mansion.

  4. Right Wing Guy

    Mar 30th, 2010

    You mean the Gleason that State Party that helped Russell get the write ins need to get on the ballot in 2008? You mean Gleason and the State Party that funneled 500,000 dollars in Ad buys for Russell in 2008? Get the facts.

  5. Love and Light

    Apr 4th, 2010

    Hey Mdog, Why do you think burns is a phony? Will you ever answer back or do you just like to spill out hate. And funny…where is this MANSION Burns lives in? Tell me have you been there? I can tell YOU that YOU have no idea what you are saying!!!!!!

  6. Love and Light

    Apr 5th, 2010

    Also Mdog, Just shows how stupid you are…….my son just used his 2 dollar bill to purchase something last week. Whats phony about that. A 2 dollar bill is Rare and not phony, still works just like the “real” thing. Your just an ill tempered person that oozes a vile smell of hate and ignorance.

  7. jwcdotusa

    Apr 13th, 2010

    Those who so quickly dismiss Tim Burns and jump (or remain) aboard the Bill Russell bandwagon have neither the facts nor the brains to back up their decisions. There was no “backroom deal”; Tim Burns started campaigning for this seat LAST YEAR at tax time (look up the videos on YouTube). Burns was selected by representatives throughout the district in an OPEN FORUM that was shown on public access television! I was one of the people who selected Burns. I know both men well, and have them both on speed-dial. The fact is as it has always been…Burns is simply the better candidate, and he’s the best chance we have of converting this seat over to responsible leadership. If we want JOHN MURTHA JUNIOR, then this idiotic infighting should by all means continue. If we want PA-12 in the hands of a job-creating, budget-meeting, economy-savvy conservative, we get behind Burns NOW. Anything else just plays right into Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama’s hands.

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