EXCITEMENT IN THE 12TH – AT 10:37 A.M. ET:  Perhaps the most exciting race to be decided tomorrow is the one to replace Congressman John Murtha, who remains deceased, in Pennsylvania's 12th C.D.  The last-minute polls show how tight this is, but there is a chance, if the voting is honest and Mutha's fellow departed can be kept from the voting booths, that the GOP can pull this off. 

The PPP poll, which generally leans Democratic, and which was taken through yesterday, has Republican Tim Burns at 48% and Democrat Mark Critz at 47%. 

John Murtha held this seat for 36 years. He was elected in 1974, also in a special election, during the Watergate affair, replacing a long-time Republican congressman.  Registration in the 12th C.D. is 2-1 Democratic, but these are conservative Democrats, and polling shows they are not happy with President Obama.  This is their chance to send a message.  Don't be surprised if the vote count goes into the night.

A GOP win would be a staggering defeat for the Dems, considering the district's recent history. 

We'll be live-blogging.  Stay with us.

May 17, 2010