JOHNSTOWN — Former Lt. Gov. Mark Singel says he's withdrawing as a candidate for the 12th District Congressional seat vacated by the death of John Murtha.

Singel, a Democrat, says the field of Democrats is too large and that the district needs to focus on a candidate who can move the district forward.

Singel's withdrawal Thursday follows Murtha's widow's endorsement of the late congressman's longtime aide Mark Critz.