John Murtha's Widow Won't Run for His Seat, But Former Aide Will

The widow of Democratic Rep. John Murtha dismissed rumors she might seek the office held by her late husband, but a former aide to Murtha said he will run for the House seat from Pennsylvania.

The Murtha for Congress Committee released a statement Tuesday saying Joyce Murtha "feels that it is too soon after his death to be on the campaign trail," Pennsylvania's Tribune-Democrat reported.

Murtha died Feb. 8 after serving in Congress for 36 years.

Mark Critz, a prominent Pennsylvania Democrat who served as Murtha's district director, announced he will run for the 12th Congressional District seat.

Critz, 48, said he conferred with Joyce Murtha before deciding that "this election is too important to the constituents of Western Pa. not to enter," the paper reported.

Critz, a former businessman, had been a campaign volunteer for Murtha before taking a position at the congressman's Johnstown headquarters 12 years ago.