Pennsylvania Must Hold Special Election to Replace John Murtha - politics daily  

According to state law, Pennsylvania must hold a special election to replace the late Rep. John Murtha, [1] Politico reports. After Murtha’s vacancy has been officially declared, Gov. Ed Rendell has 10 days to call a special election, which can take place no more than 60 days later. The likely date is May 18, the day the state’s regularly scheduled primary elections will be held.

There will be no primary to select candidates for the special election. County party leaders from Murtha’s western Pennsylvania district will select candidates at a convention, and the winner of the special election will serve the remainder of Murtha’s term. Like all House members, Murtha was up for re-election in November, which means the winner of the special election will have to win another vote less than six months after taking office.

[2] http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/02/09/pennsylvania-must-hold-special-election-to-replace-rep-john-mur/