With the primary less than a week away, the Democratic primary race between Reps. Jason Altmire and Mark Critz is really heating up.

In his newest ad, Altmire defends his vote for the Balanced Budget Amendment and disputes claims from Critz that the BBA would result in massive cuts to Social Security and Medicare. It’s become the marquee issue in a race of two conservative Democrats.

“It’s sad Mark Critz would scare people into thinking that I’d hurt seniors,” Altmire says, straight to the camera. “I supported the Balanced Budget to stop the reckless spending that threatens the future of Social Security and Medicare.”

The Critz campaign slammed the ad, accusing Altmire of employing Republican talking points to defend his vote.

“We already knew that Jason Altmire put Medicare at risk by voting for the Republican Balanced Budget Amendment, but now he has the audacity to defend his indefensible vote by parroting Republican talking points,” Critz spokesman Mike Mikus said.

As proof, the Critz campaign compiled a long list (pdf) of Republicans like former Rep. Melissa Hart and former President George W. Bush also accusing people of “trying to scare seniors.” However, in fairness, both parties have made similar entreaties. The list lacks a smoking gun on the substance of the BBA.

The video above was provided by the Critz campaign; Altmire’s campaign has not yet posted it on their page.

Mikus said recent numbers – a Tribune Review/SR&P poll released today showed the race narrowed to four points – has Altmire on his heels. The ad is a replace of another spot introduced just a few days ago, suggesting a last-minute message adjustment by the Altmire camp.

The ad also subtly hints at the Pittsburgh v. Johnstown geographic rivalry that both candidates have employed, when a narrator refers to Altmire’s opponent as, “Johnstown Congressman Mark Critz.”

In other PA-12 news, Altmire announced today the endorsement of the New Castle News in Lawrence County:

“He is best positioned to provide some continuity for Lawrence County. But more than that, we see his voting record as one that regularly runs counter to Democratic stances. This willingness to cross party lines and avoid ideological divisions is something Washington needs more of.”

The full version is only available on Altmire’s website.

Altmire has also picked up the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, while Critz has received support from the Tribune-Review.