JOHNSTOWN — With a poll showing Democrat Mark Critz and Republican Tim Burns in a statistical dead heat for the 12th Congressional District seat, Burns was on the offense Friday, attacking the Democratic health-care reform during a Central Park rally in downtown Johnstown.

The “Kill the Bill Rally” brought out opponents of the measure – an issue that Burns called “probably the worst piece of legislation in American history.”

The GOP candidate told the crowd he had asked his opponent to “simply state his position (on the bill)” but as yet has not seen a statement from Critz about it.

“Anyone who can’t face the people and tell us how he stands on this very important piece of legislation doesn’t deserve to represent us,” Burns said.

A new poll, sponsored by Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in conjunction with Pennsylvania-based Susquehanna Polling and Research shows Critz with a 36 percent to 31 percent lead over Burns.

But with 31 percent of voters in the district still undecided, the race could go either way.

The same poll showed 12th district voters, by a 54 percent to 33 percent margin, oppose the health-care bill and 43 percent said they “strongly” oppose it.

Friday’s crowd included members of the Tea Party who oppose the bill Democrats believe will pass this weekend.

“They are out to get this health-care bill passed, no matter what,” Vivian Berkebile of Conemaugh Township, Somerset County said.

Berkebile, a former steelworker, is a co-coordinator of the Johnstown-Somerset branch of the organization.

More and more people are becoming dependent on the government, she said. “I can’t be a party to that.”

Another Tea Party member, Sylvia Shostek of Riverside, agreed with Berkebile.

“There’s no incentive to work,” she said.

Jay Follansbee of Upper Yoder Township said he had just returned to the Republican party after voting Libertarian in the last election.

“Obama is going down the road toward socialism,” he said. “And Congress is out of control. They are ignoring their own internal processes that are supposed to protect our constitutional rights.”

Jim Cameron of Middle Taylor Township said he came to the rally because he is concerned about what could happen to Medicare.

“I don’t want to see (health care) messed up more than it already is,” he said.

The rally also brought out a member of the medical profession – Dr. James Gregory, a critical-care surgeon for 25 years, who addressed the crowd.

A military veteran who practices at Memorial Medical Center, Gregory said most of his colleagues believe the country needs a better health-care plan.

But, he cautioned, “The devil is in the details.”

“Do you have enough information to make an informed decision?” he asked.

“I am not here to say ‘No.’ I am here to say ‘Whoa.’ ”

Gregory said what hasn’t been addressed in the massive bill are the frivolous lawsuits and malpractice insurance costs that are out of control.

“We need to take a step back. It doesn’t take over 2,700 pages unless you’re trying to confuse someone,” he said.

Gregory said that most members of Congress have not read and do not understand the legislation.

The candidate agreed.

“They didn’t write it. They haven’t read it. They don’t understand it and yet they expect us to live with its consequences,” Burns said when he spoke to the gathering of about 150 people.

Burns, who grew up in half a double house on Ash Street, had a successful pharmacy software and services business in Westmoreland County before entering the race.

He said he got into politics because “I believe if we don’t make some changes quickly, my kids won’t have the same opportunities that I have had.”

Burns and Critz will face each other in the special election to fill the term of the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha , D-Johns-town.

The special election will be held May 18, in conjunction with the primary election.

Burns, along with Republican William Russell, an Army veteran who ran against Murtha in 2008, will be on the primary ballot for the GOP nomination for a full two-year term in the 12th district.

On the Democratic primary ballot, there are four contenders – Critz, along with Ed Cernic Jr. of West Taylor Township, the Cambria County controller; Ron Mackell Jr., a Johnstown native and Texas lawyer; and Ryan Bucchianeri, a Monongahela businessman and former Naval officer.