Pennsylvania Must Hold Special Election to Replace John Murtha

According to state law, Pennsylvania must hold a special election to replace the late Rep. John Murtha, Politico reports. After Murtha's vacancy has been officially declared, Gov. Ed Rendell has 10 days to call a special election, which can take place no more than 60 days later. The likely date is May 18, the day the state's regularly scheduled primary elections will be held.

There will be no primary to select candidates for the special election. County party leaders from Murtha's western Pennsylvania district will select candidates at a convention, and the winner of the special election will serve the remainder of Murtha's term. Like all House members, Murtha was up for re-election in November, which means the winner of the special election will have to win another vote less than six months after taking office.

Replacing Murtha is one more headache for House Democrats, who could be facing punishing losses in the midterm elections. The Cook Political Report calls Pennsylvania a "toss up," and recent upsets in strongly Democratic states have fueled worries that Republicans could mount a serious bid for Murtha's seat.