McCracken for Congress - Progress Report - March 31, 2008

It's been a very busy week for the campaign with many highlights:

Monday March 24: I attended the Voices of Central PA dinner in State College. It was a very nice event and I got the chance to speak with the truly progressive minded people who support Voices. The questions were tough but fair and I really enjoyed the Indian food on the buffet at the India Pavilion restaurant where the event was held. The food was a little on the spicy side but was very good.

Tuesday March 25: I spent the late afternoon and evening getting signs out to people. You always get the chance to speak with your supporters while delivering signs and the feedback was good. I did get home in time to catch American Idol with Kelly and Amanda. Not as important as the Obama / Clinton race but Kelly, Amanda and I seem to be pulling for David Cook and Brooke White.

Wednesday March 26: All 12 candidates were on hand for the candidate forum sponsored by the DuBois Chamber of Commerce. Getting the chance to hear the other 11 candidates, I feel very confident of the message our campaign is spreading. We recognize the problems of 2008 and we are offering solutions for 2008 and beyond.

Candidates meet in Clearfield.

Sadly, many of the other candidates keep offering solutions from the 1980's. Perhaps most troublesome from several of the candidates are calls for the return to and expansion of the use of fossil fuels. I will continue to stress throughout this campaign as long as I am part of it that we MUST invest in cleaner, domestically produced alternative fuels. It will help our economy and our national security.

Thursday March 27: First, I was interviewed on C-Net, the local cable channel in State College. The interview will run in the State College cable market several times before the April 22nd election. Then, at the invite of Raymond Snyder, I traveled to Lewistown for the appearance of former President Bill Clinton. Prior to the public being admitted to the Lewistown High School gymnasium, I had the opportunity to walk the line waiting to get into the event. I shook hands with approximately 1,500 people who were waiting to get in. Perhaps the most interesting story was about halfway through the line I met a lady and her young son. He asked for my autograph, the first time this ever happened. As I was signing, I saw the young boy reach over and tug his mothers coat and ask "Is that President Clinton?".

We did have to wait quite awhile in the gym as President Clinton was behind schedule. When he did arrive after 6:30 he didn't disappoint. He gave a rousing speech that lasted approximately 50 minutes and he actually made mention of ethanol as a viable alternative fuel source and even said that ethanol from cellulose material is the way to go in the future. Then, as he left the stage, he worked his way around the barrier between the stage and the crowd and I was able to shake his hand. I was 3 rows back but I reached up over the 2 rows ahead of me and got the handshake.

Friday March 28: I attended the opening of the Obama campaign office in DuBois. I am so encouraged that a presidential campaign has opened an office in Clearfield County. This is proof that rural Pennsylvania is going to have our say in this election. I met several people at the opening and they are truly committed to making a difference in 2008.

Saturday March 29: I hosted a visit to the Clearfield area by John Cordisco candidate for State Treasurer. I first met John last August at Rep. Bud George's picnic and I was very impressed with him. One thing that made me interested in him was that he also started his political career by serving on a school board. I invited John and his staff person to join me at Denny's Pub, famous as the home of the biggest hamburger in the world.

Lunch with State Treasurer candidate John Cordisco

He had a nice interview with Jane Elling from our local newspaper and then we all enjoyed one of Denny's famous burgers. Not the big one, just one of the regular sized burgers available on the menu. John was very interested in the alternative fuels industry that we've brought to Clearfield County and north central Pennsylvania. We also talked about state funding and investment issues and his vision to be an active and involved state treasurer. He is a great candidate and I feel he will make an excellent treasurer for Pennsylvania.

Sunday March 30: Although I was not able to personally attend due to a Commissioners' Conference, our campaign attended the Obama Rally for Change Event on the campus of Pennsylvania State University. We had a chance to talk with a lot of young eager minds ready for change in Washington. Although the gates opened at 11:30am, it was brought to our attention that students and interested citizens started lining up at 5:30am and even earlier. This is the kind of dedication we need from our young people and from the citizens of the 5th District. Although the lines were long and the wind brisk, the message of change kept the spectators lively. In our seating location, we were honored to meet up with the great candidate for the 171st State House seat Tim Wilson. Many state officials were also there including Senator Casey and State Rep. Dan Surra. We thanked them for the warm welcome and for great seating location! We were also informed that this rally was the largest in the history of Penn State and we were honored to attend.

It's been a busy week and every day between now and April 22nd has something on the schedule. Please keep spreading the word about the campaign and let us know what you are hearing.

Also, we expect to release some important campaign news on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress

McCracken Offers Real Solutions for Veterans in the 5th District

This week I had the chance to participate in a candidate forum on veteran’s issues held in Franklin, Venango County. The forum offered a great opportunity to address several issues important to veterans in the 5th district. Several weeks ago I spoke with Ed Scurry, one of the veterans who set up the forum, and he mentioned to me the frustration that veterans in the north central region feel in trying to get regular attention from the current congressman.

Understanding their frustration, one of the ideas I offered during the forum is that I will employ a person on my district staff in the position of Veteran’s Liaison. The top priorities of the Veteran’s Liaison will be to meet on a regular basis with veterans and veterans groups on issues important to them on the local, regional and national levels. Additionally, I will utilize this person to keep me informed and up to date on all issues important to veterans. Perhaps the most important part of my idea, and a promise I will keep, is the person I hire as the Veterans Liaison will be a veteran from the 5th district.

I also continue to press my idea that the federal Veteran’s Administration should have the ability to subcontract with local health care providers so elderly and disabled veterans can get health care services closer to home. I’ve told the story several times during the campaign of Clearfield County veterans who have to travel to Pittsburgh to get cardiac care when we have a state of the art cardiac facility at the DuBois Regional Medical Center.

Another issue of great importance to veterans in the 5th district and across the nation is the issue of concurrent receipt. It is my firm belief that a veteran’s pension payment and military disability compensation should be kept separated – one should not have an affect on the other. A veteran has earned their pension and it should not have an amount deducted if they also receive disability compensation. Additionally, if a veteran has served their country and suffered a service related disability, our nation owes them their disability compensation. In Congress, I will support veterans receiving their full military pension and, for any disabled veterans, they should also receive their disability compensation in addition to their pension.

As a nation, we owe a tremendous debt to our veterans. My recently deceased father was a proud veteran of World War II and my father-in-law served in Vietnam. Also, as county commissioner, I work closely with our county VA Director to make sure he has the funding to adequately serve veterans in Clearfield County. It’s a sad day when we hear the stories coming out of Congress that they fail to adequately fund services for our nation’s veterans.

Mark B. McCracken attends historic groundbreaking of Pennsylvania's FIRST ethanol plant.

5th District Congressional Candidate McCracken Takes Part in Historic Groundbreaking.

Clearfield County Commissioner and 5th District Congressional Candidate Mark B. McCracken was invited by officials of BioEnergy LLC to take part in the official groundbreaking ceremony held on Thursday March 13th for the Bionol Clearfield Biorefinery.

Clearfield County Commissioner and 5^th District Congressional Candidate Mark McCracken thanks Governor Rendell for his efforts to bring the Bionol Clearfield Bio-refinery to Clearfield County. The project is investing $275 million into the north central region.

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell was on hand to proclaim Clearfield County as the "Alternative Energy Capitol" of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During his comments, Governor Rendell gave praise to State Representative Camille George (D-74) for his leadership and determination to bring the project to Clearfield County. Governor Rendell also recognized Clearfield County Commissioners McCracken, McMillen and Sobel along with former commissioner Rex Read for their "vision and leadership to help bring this multi-million dollar facility to their county". Governor Rendell concluded his remarks stating "We’re not only going to make this facility one of the energy capitals of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but I hope of America as well."

Taking part in the official groundbreaking for the Bionol Clearfield Bio-refinery front L-R: Kim Bierly – Field Representative for Senator Bob Casey, Joan Robinson McMillen and Mark B. McCracken – Clearfield County Commissioners, Steve Gatto – Chairman / CEO of BioEnergy International, Bob Dinneen – President, Renewable Fuels Association and State Representative Camille George. In the rear, just over Commissioner McCracken’s right shoulder, is former Clearfield County Commissioner Rex Read who also played a key role in bringing the project to Clearfield County.

Representative George then took to the podium and said the ethanol plant groundbreaking represented a day of promise and belief. He stated "I’m not just impressed with the dollars spent, the jobs it will provide and the gallons of fuel to be produced," he said. "So many years ago, no one would have believed in this project. I would like to introduce the naysayers to Clearfield County – the can-do county. We’re worth believing in and will do you proud."

Stephen J. Gatto, chairman and chief executive officer of BioEnergy International LLC, spoke of the cooperation and collaboration that went into the project stating "We’ve collaborated on the ushering in of a new industrial revolution." Mr. Gatto, at one point in his comments stated "I thank the Clearfield County Commissioners for their cooperation and determination to make this project happen in their county".

Pictured above is a flex-fuel vehicle driven to the Bionol Clearfield groundbreaking by Bob Dinneen, President of the Renewable Fuels Association. The vehicle is powered by E-85 ethanol that Mr. Dinneen purchased Thursday morning at a cost $2.85 per gallon, over .50 cents less than the current cost of $3.39 for regular gas in central Pennsylvania. This is proof that we can break the grip of OPEC and do it a cost effective way.

Following the ceremony, Commissioner McCracken commented to the press, "This project will give Clearfield County and the entire region a chance to claim a new industrial identity. During most of the 20th century we were known for coal and brickyards but now we begin a bright future as the home of domestically produced alternative fuels".

Facility Background Information – Provided by Corinne Young, Director of Government Affairs for BioEnergy.

The ethanol plant, which has received approximately $22 million in state funding and private funding of $248 million, is currently in the first phase of construction. "Phase 1 includes the site work leveling and re-grading," Young said. She said construction workers are on location six days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

According to Young, the facility’s construction will get underway in April and consists of two plants. The first facility will be a corn-based ethanol plant, while the second will serve as a pilot, cellulose based plant. "It’s going to be a $275 million dollar investment for the corn-based plant alone. The pilot, cellulose plant will require additional funding," Young said.

"It will have the capabilities to produce more than 100 million gallons each year," she said of the corn-based ethanol plant.

Young said both plants are expected to be completed and in operation in 2010. She said the plants will combine to hire about 70 full-time employees, while talks of a third, potential plant would result in 30 to 40 additional jobs.

Ms. Young concluded "We’re proud to be in partnership with the community. We’re hoping to make Clearfield County the destination for renewable energy."

McCracken for Congress – Progress Report – 3/10/2008

It is encouraging to know that the word about our campaign is getting around. This week I was at an event and was approached by a gentleman who told me he was registered Republican. He said he had visited our campaign website and wanted to speak with me about my stance on the issues. He explained that he is thoroughly disgusted with the political process in Washington and specifically is fed up with the partisan politics that cause almost constant gridlock.

He posed the question to me "Mr. McCracken, how can you promise me that you won't become part of the partisan politics in Washington?" I told him that I could promise him that I would not become part of partisan politics problem and I can offer proof that I know how to work in a bipartisan manner and have success doing so.

During my 10 years on the Clearfield School Board, I had to learn how to work with at least 4 other board members in order to get things done. Frankly, I enjoyed the chance to debate the important issues with the 8 other board members, sharing my positions and listening to the points that the other board members made. I always kept open the possibility of compromise as long as problems could be solved and we were doing what was right for the students, staff, parents and taxpayers.

More recently, I was given a new test of my bipartisan abilities. In November of 2007, I was re-elected as county commissioner finishing first in total votes. However, my fellow Democratic commissioner finished 4th and was not re-elected. I was faced with 2 newly elected Republican commissioners coming into office. Several people asked me, would I help them or would I take on the traditional minority commissioner role and move to the backseat.

My decision was to do all I could do to help the 2 new commissioners come in and learn the job of county commissioner. So many positive things are happening in Clearfield County and I want the Clearfield County Commissioners as a group to be successful and the positive progress for the county to continue. We are into our third month together and we haven't missed a beat. I'm helping them with any questions they have about the duties of our office and we are working together as a team for Clearfield County with no partisan politics in sight. If I get the opportunity to represent the 5th district in Washington, I will make the same commitment to work in a bipartisan manner to solve the problems facing our country.

After finishing my discussion with the Republican gentleman I feel pretty confident that I may have my first crossover vote for the November election.

MEDIA COVERAGE:
The Centre Daily Times is doing a fantastic job covering the 5th district race. Every Tuesday they will be running the answer to 1 of 8 questions they posed to all 12 candidates. Last Tuesday the question was "What would you do as a congressman to help provide for job-creating economic development in the 5th congressional district? What are the key elements of your manufacturing policy?"

My response was: "I will do as congressman what I've had success with as a county commissioner, which is, work in cooperation with elected officials at all levels, community leaders and private business interests to bring economic development to the region. Elected officials and economic development entities must use every available means to bring new business the region and help existing businesses survive and expand. This would include offering incentives from the local, state and federal levels.

On manufacturing policies, I believe we must get back to manufacturing more products here in the United States. Our economy worked best when products were "Made in the USA". Our existing jobs base is essentially service oriented at one end of the scale and high paid executives at the other leaving nothing in the middle. We need to get back to a strong middle class making a decent living wage with adequate benefits."

Finally, I'm attaching a picture of Kelly and Amanda wearing their McCracken for Congress sweatshirts that we got today. They look great and people will know who we are and what we're doing when they see us out in public.




Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate For Congress

McCracken for Congress – Progress Report – 3/6/2008

This week, I came across the saying "Before you try to tell someone how much you know, show them how much you care." I think that sums up what every political candidate should do when trying to connect with voters.

Early last week, I spoke with a family in DuBois about my campaign and what they felt was the biggest problem they are facing. Without hesitation, the mother said "Mark, the rising cost of gas and heating oil is making it tough on my family." Another person told me when we talked about the stimulus checks that Washington will be sending out "I hope I get mine soon, I need another tank of oil to get through the cold months."

When you hear these two stories, do you think Washington cares and understands? Members of Congress touted when the stimulus package was passed "we're giving back money to the people so they can go out and buy something." The reality is that many people will use the funds to pay off existing debt or buy basic necessities. And, if everyone in Washington would be honest, the stimulus package was the incumbent members of Congress sending you a check in an election year so you’ll remember them in November.

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:
I am encouraged to hear from people that they are concerned about the issues I'm talking about. People are telling me they are tired of the federal government spending beyond its means and running up debt that our children and grandchildren will have to pay for. Regardless of political affiliation, citizens in the 5th district want fiscal responsibility. I am also hearing that people want a congressman who knows north central Pennsylvania and will deal with the problems of the region.

$350,000 SPENT IN 29 DAYS!!!!
The Centre Daily Times reported today that one of the Republican candidates has spent $350,000 in just 29 days of the campaign. That amounts to $12,068.96 dollars per day. Let's put this into perspective, a person working at the current federal minimum wage of $5.85 per hour x 40 hours a week x 52 weeks in a year = $12,168 before taxes. Is this the type of person you want for your next congressman?

ENDORSEMENTS:
Our campaign was proud to announce the following endorsements during this past week: Keith Bierly former 4 term Centre County Commissioner, Mike Savage Rush Township Supervisor (Centre County), Jeff Pisarcik current second term Jefferson County Commissioner and Raymond Snyder former Mifflin County Commissioner.

FUNDRAISING:
The McCracken for Congress committee is planning a fundraising dinner in DuBois on Wednesday, March 19th. If you are interested in attending and have not received an invitation, provide your mailing address via email to mccrackenforcongress@verizon.net. Also, please tell your friends about our campaign and encourage them to visit our web page http://www.mccrackenforcongress.com where they can find a link to contribute to the campaign online via ActBlue.

QUESTIONS:
We welcome all questions from the progressive blogosphere. We feel we are in tune with the expectations of what kind of Congressman we need. Mark has the experience and desire to answer questions from 5th District residents and interested parties.

A FINAL WORD OF THANKS:
I want to thank everyone who sent along condolences on the passing of my father Blair McCracken. He was a lifelong, working man's Democrat who fought for his country in World War II and was always a big part of my political campaigns. When I spoke with him in January and asked his advice about running for Congress, he paused for a few seconds, pointed his finger at me and said "whatever you do, if you get to Washington, don’t let them change you." That was the last advice he gave me and I won’t forget it.


Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate For Congress

Tim Wilson Fundraiser

I wanted to take the time quickly to thank Tim Wilson for inviting me to his fundraiser. Tim is an outstanding young man and will make a first-rate addition to the state legislature. From his service in the Navy to his work building computer systems for our protection, Tim Wilson means to bring common-sense to Harrisburg.

I've found that Tim Wilson and I share similar interests in the area of alternative energy. I'm encouraged that Tim wants to work in Harrisburg supporting policies to bring more alternative energy projects to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the north central region. I wish Tim good luck in his campaign

Unfortunately I was not able to make it personally to the event. I was notified yesterday afternoon that my father was extremely ill. He passed away at approximately 4 p.m. on March 1st, 2008. Our family was at his side and he passed peacefully.

Thankfully, I was able to have a presence at the Tim Wilson event. Victor Ordóñez was able to speak on my behalf and represented our campaign well. He stated my policy positions, my background and achievements, and what we can do to turn this district BLUE!

It's important that we gather together like-minded Democrats and Republicans who are tired of the irresponsible fiscal and foreign policies and concentrate on moving forward together.

With everyone's help, we can make this a BLUE district!

We should be out campaigning but Mother Nature isn't cooperating

Meeting with the people to discuss the future of the 5th District is easy. Shoveling 6 more inches of newly-fallen snow is NOT.

It seems that whenever there is about to be a political campaign event in the region, we get a heavy snow the day before.

Just keeping the driveway clear is a monumental undertaking. Take a look!

Amanda and I out in the snow.

Even with the snow, my daughter Amanda found ways to keep herself amused. She was eager to not only support me while I cleared the driveway, but to keep the rest of the snow at bay.

Amanda playing in the snow while daddy works.

Do I get a vote to override Punxsutawney Phil? I think it's time to take into consideration that it's March now. No more snow.