Critz up big in latest poll.

VIA our friends at PolticsPA: After a very tough primary where Rep. Critz defeated Jason Altmire, Critz is cruising to victory over challenger Keith Rothfus according to the latest poll.

Critz’s name ID: 57 percent of voters surveyed had an opinion of him (38 percent positive, 19 percent negative). The residual name ID from Rothfus’s own race against Altmire, in 2010 when he lost by 1.4 percent, has faded a bit more. Just 21 percent of voters had an opinion of Rothfus (14 percent positive, 7 percent negative). In the Johnstown area of the district currently represented by Critz (about 30 percent of the district overall) he holds a 60 to 34 percent lead.

Critz has been distancing himself from Obama and considering the demographics of his district that is a good thing in this political climate. Critz also announced he is planning on skipping the Democratic National Convention this week. Considering Critz is pro gun rights and is generally more conservative than former PA Senator Arlen Specter, I think this district can be counted as a conservative win this election cycle. A pleasant shift away from the rule of Critz's old boss, Murtha, who used to be the top dog here.