HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Former Pennsylvania treasurer and auditor general Barbara Hafer (HAY'-fuhr) has dropped out of the Democratic primary race for the U.S. House seat once held by late Rep. John Murtha.
Hafer said Wednesday she's exiting the race to defer to Murtha aide Mark Critz, who has been endorsed by Murtha's widow, Joyce.
Hafer on Tuesday filed nominating petitions to get on the May 18 primary ballot for the 12th Congressional seat in western Pennsylvania. Murtha died in office Feb. 8 following complications from gallbladder surgery.
State Democrats have chosen Critz to run in a special election, also May 18, to serve the rest of Murtha's term.
Critz and three other Democrats are running in the primary to face the Republican nominee in November to fill Murtha's seat for a full two-year term starting next year.
