Mark Critz chances of winning PA-12 look dimmer

The non-partisan Cook Political Report has moved PA-12 from the “Lean Democratic” to the “Toss Up” category, a shift that demonstrates how damaging the brutal primary has been on Mark Critz’s reelection chances. It also exemplifies Southwestern Pennsylvania’s frustration with President Obama’s war on energy and the Democrats’ big-government tax and spend agenda that Critz has supported in Washington. In a conservative district where Obama is unlikely to get more than 40% of the vote – Critz is on the wrong side of the issues.

As David Wasserman at Cook Political Report writes, “Critz’s victory also makes Democrats’ task of winning enough crossover votes to hold Pennsylvania’s 12th CD more difficult in November.”

By The Numbers:
Cash on hand at the end of Q1 2012 : Critz: $232,183 Rothfus: $384,491
Percent of the district new to Critz: 73%

NRCC Comment: “With such a partisan record of supporting President Obama, it’s clear that Mark Critz is not the voice Southwestern Pennsylvania voters want in Congress. This rating shift demonstrates the growing momentum against Obama’s anti-energy tax and spend agenda not only in Pennsylvania but also across the country. Mark Critz may have won his primary, but his chances of coming back to Congress grow dimmer by the day.” – NRCC Spokesman Nat Sillin