Mark Critz Sworn In To Replace John Murtha: 'It's Very Surreal'

Two days after he cruised to an eight percentage point victory over his Republican opponent, Rep. Mark Critz (D-Pa.) picked up the keys to his old boss' Capitol Hill office.

Critz was a longtime staffer to the late Rep. Jack Murtha, who died suddenly in February after gallbladder surgery. Critz called his first day in Washington "surreal." He won a special election on Tuesday to fill the seat.

"He was my hero, so it's very emotional," Critz said. "But I just kept the focus on what Mr. Murtha would have done."

On Tuesday night, the newest congressman provided Democrats with their first shot of good electoral news in months with his rout over Republican Tim Burns in Pennsylvania's heavily Democratic -- but socially conservative -- 12th congressional district. But instead of embracing the national Democratic message of health care reform, the pro-life, pro-gun Critz ran on a promise to create jobs, improve infrastructure and bring resources home to his hometown, just like his old boss.

"The way Mr. Murtha died was too fast, it was too soon," Critz said in the Capitol. "I'm sad, in a way, but I'm also anxious and ready to move forward."

It's a good thing he was ready to move. He cast his first vote -- on a resolution to congratulate the University of Texas swim team for winning the NCAA championships -- minutes after being sworn in just before 2 p.m. Eastern time. Critz held his first press conference with Capitol Hill reporters, who peppered him with questions about his re-election bid in November ("the election started yesterday") and how he'll vote next week on repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell that bans openly gay people from serving in the military (he'll follow the advice of the chairman of the joint chiefs.)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi presided over a second, ceremonial swearing-in for Critz before a half dozen television cameras, with Critz's family and Murtha's widow by her side. Murtha was a mentor to Pelosi, and she said he would have approved of the way his trusted aide won his seat.

"Anyone who knows Jack Murtha, he doesn't like to stay around late, so fortunately, the election was over early," Pelosi said. "That would be part of Jack's plan."