Republicans pick Burns for Murtha special

Republicans have nominated businessman Tim Burns in the race to replace the late Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.).

Burns was picked over 2008 nominee William Russell in a vote of GOP activists in the district.

He will face former Murtha district director Mark Critz, who was nominated by Democrats earlier this week, in the May 18 special election.

Both parties will also hold primaries for the regular November election on that date.