While Memorial Day weekend is recognized as the unofficial start of the summer season with the first family picnics and backyard barbeques, we must take time to remember the true meaning of the Memorial Day holiday. First and foremost, Memorial Day is to remember and honor those who accepted the call into military service to protect our country. I always take a few moments while visiting local cemeteries on Memorial Day weekend to notice the flags marking the graves of deceased veterans.
This year, at Calvary Cemetery in Clearfield, there is a flag in place for the first time marking the grave of my recently deceased father, a World War II veteran. My father was always proud of being a World War II veteran and the sad fact is the number of World War II vets is dwindling with each passing year. They were called the "Greatest Generation" for their efforts to win the war against two powerful enemies on two different fronts. Then, they came home and became the working force behind a strong economy, the expansion of our national infrastructure and they were the parents of the baby boom generation.
Back in the days following World War II, our nation and our leaders recognized the debt owed to the brave men and women who served during World War II. Our government provided for their return to civilian life with the GI Bill to provide funding for education and financial assistance to purchase homes.
It was encouraging this past Thursday when the US Senate overwhelmingly passed the 21st Century post-9/11 GI Bill that was proposed by Virginia Senator Jim Webb. The post-9/11 GI Bill passed the house the proceeding week and will provide veterans of the War in Iraq and Afghanistan with the opportunity for comprehensive educational benefits when they return home. This was the right thing to do for our service men and woman and I congratulate Senator Webb and his colleagues for taking action on this important legislation.
Blossburg Coal Festival: On Saturday, Kelly, Amanda and I traveled to Tioga County for the annual Blossburg Coal Festival. We took part in the parade through Blossburg on Saturday morning. The plan was for Kelly and Amanda to ride in our vehicle with the "McCracken for Congress" signs on display while I walked tossing candy. When it was time for the parade to start, Amanda announced that she wanted to walk the parade route with me and help toss the candy. I wasn't sure how far her 5 year old legs would take her but I figured if she got tired I would put her in the car. Well, Amanda must have a future in politics because she walked the whole parade route and had a smile on her face the entire time.
After the parade, we stayed at the festival for several hours where I worked at the Tioga County Democratic Party booth while Kelly and Amanda enjoyed the food, games and rides. While was standing at the booth, I spoke with a number of people about many issues of concern in Tioga County.
Not surprisingly, people wanted to talk about the price of gas, the rising price of food and the war in Iraq. I also was asked where I stood on Second Amendment rights and my support for alternative fuels including corn based ethanol. The overwhelming majority of the people I spoke with were in agreement with the opinions and ideas I shared with them. Tioga County is a wonderful place and the people there are very interested in our campaign. I look forward to many more trips to Tioga County during the coming months of the campaign.
In closing, Kelly, Amanda and I wish everyone a safe and fun filled Memorial Day weekend.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate For Congress
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- Weekly Progress Report -- May 19, 2008
May has been a busy month and it is more than half over. I have a few important things to announce this week.
1. CHANGES IN THE CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION -- We are going to make several important changes to the campaign organization this week. These moves will bring in some new people with important knowledge, experience and expertise to the campaign and will change the roles of some people already involved with the campaign.
Henry Guthrie of DuBois will be moving from the position of Vice Chairman to Chairman of the McCracken for Congress committee. Henry and his wife Molly have been very involved with the campaign since we began in January and I have great confidence in his political knowledge and abilities. I worked closely with Henry in 2007 when we were both candidates for office at the county level.
Victor M. Ordonez will continue in the position of Media & Policy Advisor. Victor brings years of political experience working in campaigns. His prior positions have included working for Rep. Joseph Sestak (PA-07) and helping to get Senator Robert Casey Jr. elected in 2006.
Keith Bierly is coming on board as a campaign advisor. Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to the campaign serving 12 years as a District Justice and 16 years as Centre County Commissioner. Keith will be working on specific areas of the campaign to coordinate the efforts of the entire committee and we're pleased to have him take this official role with the campaign.
Tim Fannin from the accounting firm of Catalano, Case, Catalano and Fannin will be taking over as Treasurer. Running for federal office with all the required FEC and IRS filings takes a great deal knowledge. Tim is a highly experienced accountant in the Clearfield area who has served on many boards and organizations including the Clearfield County Industrial Development Authority and the Clearfield County Economic Development Corporation among others. With the appointment of Tim Fannin as Treasurer we are moving Milt Weisman to the position of Assistant Treasurer where he will remain involved with the campaign.
Recognizing the key role that Centre County plays in the 5th Congressional District, it is important to name someone to the position of Centre County Coordinator. I didn't have to look far to find someone with the credentials I was looking for. Tim Wilson shares a passion for many of the same issues I'm stressing in the race for US Congress. Tim is interested in alternative fuels, environmental issues, fiscal responsibility, health care reform, farmland preservation, support for public education and many of the other issues the McCracken for Congress campaign is all about. An additional benefit of having Tim on our committee is, while he is now living in Centre County, he is originally from Jefferson County and will be able to help the campaign in those areas of the district also.
We've also invited Andrea Smith of Glen Richey to take over the role of Secretary of the committee. Andrea has worked for many years as a legal secretary in the Clearfield area and has supported and assisted me in my past campaigns for school director and county commissioner.
We're excited to have these people on board with the campaign. We also have a number of people from every county in the 5th district offer to work for the campaign. The solid organization we are putting together will help us run strong in every county in the 5th district.
2: CONGRATULATIONS TO TRAVIS CHILDERS -- This past Tuesday Democrat Travis Childers was elected to the US Congress in a special election to fill a vacant seat in the state of Mississippi. This was the third Democratic victory so far in 2008 in special elections. The 3 seats in Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois (the seat of former Speaker Dennis Hastert) were all considered to be traditional Republican seats and have been captured by Democrats. It will take a great deal of hard work but we can accomplish this same feat here in the 5th Congressional District in November.
3: ARMED FORCES AWARENESS DAY -- On Saturday, I took part in the Armed Forces Awareness Day ceremony in Clearfield. This is the 5th consecutive year that I've participated as a county commissioner in this moving ceremony. It is so important that we take time to recognize the commitment of the men and women who are serving and who have served in our armed forces.
The ceremony in Clearfield is always so special with emotional speeches, patriotic songs by the DuBois American Legion Band and special recognition of the veterans and active servicemen in attendance. This year, there were several very special guests including 2 Gold Star Mothers and a Clearfield County veteran who is a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
4: This coming week, Kelly, Amanda and I will be spending Saturday in Tioga County to attend the Blossburg Coal Festival and participate in the parade. We also will be traveling later in the day to Wellsboro to meet with people who are interested in helping with the campaign. If anyone from Tioga County would like to meet with us in Wellsboro, please email the campaign at mccrackenforcongress@verizon.net.
Mark McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
1. CHANGES IN THE CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION -- We are going to make several important changes to the campaign organization this week. These moves will bring in some new people with important knowledge, experience and expertise to the campaign and will change the roles of some people already involved with the campaign.
Henry Guthrie of DuBois will be moving from the position of Vice Chairman to Chairman of the McCracken for Congress committee. Henry and his wife Molly have been very involved with the campaign since we began in January and I have great confidence in his political knowledge and abilities. I worked closely with Henry in 2007 when we were both candidates for office at the county level.
Victor M. Ordonez will continue in the position of Media & Policy Advisor. Victor brings years of political experience working in campaigns. His prior positions have included working for Rep. Joseph Sestak (PA-07) and helping to get Senator Robert Casey Jr. elected in 2006.
Keith Bierly is coming on board as a campaign advisor. Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to the campaign serving 12 years as a District Justice and 16 years as Centre County Commissioner. Keith will be working on specific areas of the campaign to coordinate the efforts of the entire committee and we're pleased to have him take this official role with the campaign.
Tim Fannin from the accounting firm of Catalano, Case, Catalano and Fannin will be taking over as Treasurer. Running for federal office with all the required FEC and IRS filings takes a great deal knowledge. Tim is a highly experienced accountant in the Clearfield area who has served on many boards and organizations including the Clearfield County Industrial Development Authority and the Clearfield County Economic Development Corporation among others. With the appointment of Tim Fannin as Treasurer we are moving Milt Weisman to the position of Assistant Treasurer where he will remain involved with the campaign.
Recognizing the key role that Centre County plays in the 5th Congressional District, it is important to name someone to the position of Centre County Coordinator. I didn't have to look far to find someone with the credentials I was looking for. Tim Wilson shares a passion for many of the same issues I'm stressing in the race for US Congress. Tim is interested in alternative fuels, environmental issues, fiscal responsibility, health care reform, farmland preservation, support for public education and many of the other issues the McCracken for Congress campaign is all about. An additional benefit of having Tim on our committee is, while he is now living in Centre County, he is originally from Jefferson County and will be able to help the campaign in those areas of the district also.
We've also invited Andrea Smith of Glen Richey to take over the role of Secretary of the committee. Andrea has worked for many years as a legal secretary in the Clearfield area and has supported and assisted me in my past campaigns for school director and county commissioner.
We're excited to have these people on board with the campaign. We also have a number of people from every county in the 5th district offer to work for the campaign. The solid organization we are putting together will help us run strong in every county in the 5th district.
2: CONGRATULATIONS TO TRAVIS CHILDERS -- This past Tuesday Democrat Travis Childers was elected to the US Congress in a special election to fill a vacant seat in the state of Mississippi. This was the third Democratic victory so far in 2008 in special elections. The 3 seats in Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois (the seat of former Speaker Dennis Hastert) were all considered to be traditional Republican seats and have been captured by Democrats. It will take a great deal of hard work but we can accomplish this same feat here in the 5th Congressional District in November.
3: ARMED FORCES AWARENESS DAY -- On Saturday, I took part in the Armed Forces Awareness Day ceremony in Clearfield. This is the 5th consecutive year that I've participated as a county commissioner in this moving ceremony. It is so important that we take time to recognize the commitment of the men and women who are serving and who have served in our armed forces.
Candidate McCracken addresses the crowd at Armed Forces Day
Take the time to thank veterans like Maj. Miller, who has served two tours in Iraq.
4: This coming week, Kelly, Amanda and I will be spending Saturday in Tioga County to attend the Blossburg Coal Festival and participate in the parade. We also will be traveling later in the day to Wellsboro to meet with people who are interested in helping with the campaign. If anyone from Tioga County would like to meet with us in Wellsboro, please email the campaign at mccrackenforcongress@verizon.net.
Mark McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
Monday, May 12, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- Progress Report -- May 12, 2008
Unity is the Key in 2008: As I've been meeting with people since the primary election, I can tell that Democratic voters in the 5th district are unifying behind our campaign and identifying with our message. Before the primary election, I felt certain if the Democratic candidates made our campaigns about the important issues and trusted the voters to make their choice on election day, it would be easy for Democrats to unite behind the winner for the general election campaign.
During the time I was out campaigning and seeking support, I spoke with many people who were up front and informed me of their support for either Rick Vilello or Bill Cahir. Early on, I made the decision to spend an equal amount of time with everyone, regardless if they were supporting me, one of my opponents or were still undecided. I even took the time to speak with voters who identified themselves as Republican, Independent or were registered with other parties.
While there were many important strategic decisions I had to make with the direction of the campaign, I feel this was possibly the key that will keep our momentum going throughout the summer. We were able to quickly move on from the primary campaign, unify the Democratic base and be ready for the real challenge – electing a Democrat in the 5th Congressional District on November 4th. I also feel the foundation has been laid to attract those crossover votes we need to win this race.
On the national level, we need to have the same unity behind our nominee for President. Everyone needs to realize the problems facing our country must be solved and we have to elect a leader at the top who can handle the challenge. Our democracy is at a critical point and important decisions must be made starting in January of 2009.
We've seen the last 2 presidential elections produce very controversial outcomes that have weakened our faith in the process and caused other countries to doubt our democratic form of government. In 2000, we watched as ballots in Florida were counted, recounted and eventually uncounted and the only result history will remember is 5-4 from the Supreme Court. Then, in 2004, our party's nominee was "Swift Boated" and we watched as the final outcome from Ohio was only slightly less controversial than the Florida 2000 result.
In 2008, we must not allow the other side to manipulate the process to their advantage. We have to be unified on all levels so we can elect people who will solve the problems facing our country. Waiting another 4 years is not an option.
The Week in Review: This week saw trips on Monday to DuBois for the DuBois City Democratic Committee Meeting and on Tuesday to Coudersport for the Potter County Democratic Committee Meeting. Additionally, I've had several meetings this week with people who will be taking key roles with the campaign as we move forward. Things are going to start getting busy over the last 2 weeks in May with events in State College and Clearfield this week and Tioga County the following week. Then, there will be several important events around Memorial Day and we get real busy in June, July and August with county fairs, parades and a regular diet of corn dogs and funnel cakes.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
During the time I was out campaigning and seeking support, I spoke with many people who were up front and informed me of their support for either Rick Vilello or Bill Cahir. Early on, I made the decision to spend an equal amount of time with everyone, regardless if they were supporting me, one of my opponents or were still undecided. I even took the time to speak with voters who identified themselves as Republican, Independent or were registered with other parties.
While there were many important strategic decisions I had to make with the direction of the campaign, I feel this was possibly the key that will keep our momentum going throughout the summer. We were able to quickly move on from the primary campaign, unify the Democratic base and be ready for the real challenge – electing a Democrat in the 5th Congressional District on November 4th. I also feel the foundation has been laid to attract those crossover votes we need to win this race.
On the national level, we need to have the same unity behind our nominee for President. Everyone needs to realize the problems facing our country must be solved and we have to elect a leader at the top who can handle the challenge. Our democracy is at a critical point and important decisions must be made starting in January of 2009.
We've seen the last 2 presidential elections produce very controversial outcomes that have weakened our faith in the process and caused other countries to doubt our democratic form of government. In 2000, we watched as ballots in Florida were counted, recounted and eventually uncounted and the only result history will remember is 5-4 from the Supreme Court. Then, in 2004, our party's nominee was "Swift Boated" and we watched as the final outcome from Ohio was only slightly less controversial than the Florida 2000 result.
In 2008, we must not allow the other side to manipulate the process to their advantage. We have to be unified on all levels so we can elect people who will solve the problems facing our country. Waiting another 4 years is not an option.
The Week in Review: This week saw trips on Monday to DuBois for the DuBois City Democratic Committee Meeting and on Tuesday to Coudersport for the Potter County Democratic Committee Meeting. Additionally, I've had several meetings this week with people who will be taking key roles with the campaign as we move forward. Things are going to start getting busy over the last 2 weeks in May with events in State College and Clearfield this week and Tioga County the following week. Then, there will be several important events around Memorial Day and we get real busy in June, July and August with county fairs, parades and a regular diet of corn dogs and funnel cakes.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
Monday, May 5, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- Progress Report -- May 4th 2008
As we move the campaign from Democratic primary to general election mode, I am going to make some changes to the weekly progress report. Over the last few months I've used this weekly report give updates on the events we've participated in over the past week. I'll continue to keep you informed on where we're at and what we're doing but I'm going to provide comment on issues of interest to the citizens of the 5th district. We'll also keep you updated on what is going on inside the campaign.
Truckers Converge on Washington - Fuel Prices Are Hurting Everyone: Last week, truckers converged on Washington to protest the high price of diesel fuel and to show members of Congress the negative effects on the transportation industry that is so vital to our nation's economy. In response to the trucker's rally, Congressman John Peterson issued a press release stating the following: “For the past year and four months, the House Democrat leadership has done absolutely nothing to reduce the price at the pump. Their unwillingness to address the energy crisis at it's roots “supply and demand” will only further enhance the economic burden on every man, woman, and child in America. The protest today, by blue collar, working class truckers, further emphasizes how out of touch the Democrat-controlled Congress is with the American people.”.
I have to take issue with Congressman Peterson's statement placing blame on the policies of the Democratic Congress over the past 16 months. In fact, this crisis has been building in the 6 years prior while the Republican Party had total control of the White House and Congress and no meaningful legislation was offered to avert the impending crisis. Additionally, it must be recognized that the instability of the Middle East, brought on by President George W. Bush's decision to invade Iraq, is a factor in OPEC's ongoing policy to drive oil prices to record highs.
It should also be noted that President Bush has done little to influence OPEC policies either. I can remember in the 90's when OPEC would begin to drive up the price per barrel of oil, President Bill Clinton would immediately order a release of strategic oil reserves to put more oil on the market which would stabilize oil prices.
Frankly, blame must lie on both sides of the aisle in Washington. Back in the 1970's, our nation received a wake up call but leaders in Washington ignored it for the last 30 plus years. While other nations invested in alternative fuels and worked to decrease their dependence on oil from the Middle East, government leaders in the United States continued to allow the powerful petroleum industry to dictate our energy policies.
Now, we are at a critical point again. Families are struggling to afford gas and heating oil. Truckers are feeling the pinch of higher diesel fuel prices which will be passed on in higher prices to the consumers. Everyone is hurting, except who? Who is making record profits? The same powerful petroleum industry that our government leaders allowed to dictate our energy policy for the last 30 plus years! And, does anyone really believe the solution is to allow the petroleum industry access to traditional oil reserves. No, we need to move away from “Big Oil” controlling our energy policy and move towards renewable and alternative fuel technologies. The wake up call has returned, the alarm clock is ringing and we better not hit the snooze button again.
I've made it clear from the start of this campaign that I'm not running against Congressman Peterson. He has been very helpful and supportive to Clearfield County and our county commissioners have built a very positive relationship with him throughout his service as our congressman. The point I'm making is the oil crisis we are facing is truly a threat to our economy, our national security and our way of life. There is no time for partisan finger pointing. Congressman Peterson is correct in this regard. We need our leaders in Washington to address this issue NOW. Congress needs to forget it is an election year and get to work on plausible solutions in a bipartisan manner because the people they claim to represent are suffering. They can't wait for January 2009, they need help now.
Campaign Organization Changes: Over the next few weeks, we will be announcing some important changes and additions to the McCracken for Congress campaign committee. The changes will put organization in place throughout the 5th Congressional District. We know going forward, the race will be tough and we need to work to earn votes in every county in the district. It will be important to have organized campaign teams in every county to work at the local and county level to spread our message. It will also help to have people we can count on at the local level who know their communities and will help me learn more about the issues important the people they know.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
Truckers Converge on Washington - Fuel Prices Are Hurting Everyone: Last week, truckers converged on Washington to protest the high price of diesel fuel and to show members of Congress the negative effects on the transportation industry that is so vital to our nation's economy. In response to the trucker's rally, Congressman John Peterson issued a press release stating the following: “For the past year and four months, the House Democrat leadership has done absolutely nothing to reduce the price at the pump. Their unwillingness to address the energy crisis at it's roots “supply and demand” will only further enhance the economic burden on every man, woman, and child in America. The protest today, by blue collar, working class truckers, further emphasizes how out of touch the Democrat-controlled Congress is with the American people.”.
I have to take issue with Congressman Peterson's statement placing blame on the policies of the Democratic Congress over the past 16 months. In fact, this crisis has been building in the 6 years prior while the Republican Party had total control of the White House and Congress and no meaningful legislation was offered to avert the impending crisis. Additionally, it must be recognized that the instability of the Middle East, brought on by President George W. Bush's decision to invade Iraq, is a factor in OPEC's ongoing policy to drive oil prices to record highs.
It should also be noted that President Bush has done little to influence OPEC policies either. I can remember in the 90's when OPEC would begin to drive up the price per barrel of oil, President Bill Clinton would immediately order a release of strategic oil reserves to put more oil on the market which would stabilize oil prices.
Frankly, blame must lie on both sides of the aisle in Washington. Back in the 1970's, our nation received a wake up call but leaders in Washington ignored it for the last 30 plus years. While other nations invested in alternative fuels and worked to decrease their dependence on oil from the Middle East, government leaders in the United States continued to allow the powerful petroleum industry to dictate our energy policies.
Now, we are at a critical point again. Families are struggling to afford gas and heating oil. Truckers are feeling the pinch of higher diesel fuel prices which will be passed on in higher prices to the consumers. Everyone is hurting, except who? Who is making record profits? The same powerful petroleum industry that our government leaders allowed to dictate our energy policy for the last 30 plus years! And, does anyone really believe the solution is to allow the petroleum industry access to traditional oil reserves. No, we need to move away from “Big Oil” controlling our energy policy and move towards renewable and alternative fuel technologies. The wake up call has returned, the alarm clock is ringing and we better not hit the snooze button again.
I've made it clear from the start of this campaign that I'm not running against Congressman Peterson. He has been very helpful and supportive to Clearfield County and our county commissioners have built a very positive relationship with him throughout his service as our congressman. The point I'm making is the oil crisis we are facing is truly a threat to our economy, our national security and our way of life. There is no time for partisan finger pointing. Congressman Peterson is correct in this regard. We need our leaders in Washington to address this issue NOW. Congress needs to forget it is an election year and get to work on plausible solutions in a bipartisan manner because the people they claim to represent are suffering. They can't wait for January 2009, they need help now.
Campaign Organization Changes: Over the next few weeks, we will be announcing some important changes and additions to the McCracken for Congress campaign committee. The changes will put organization in place throughout the 5th Congressional District. We know going forward, the race will be tough and we need to work to earn votes in every county in the district. It will be important to have organized campaign teams in every county to work at the local and county level to spread our message. It will also help to have people we can count on at the local level who know their communities and will help me learn more about the issues important the people they know.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
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