The campaign schedule has been pretty intense over the last week and will continue to be so until the BIG day on Tuesday, November 4th. I want to congratulate everyone for putting so much effort into this year's election, not just for an individual campaign, but for the entire Democratic ticket. I've seen people in every community throughout the 5th district working to make sure the message is getting out.
I want to remind everyone it is important that we finish strong. Don't take anything for granted, ignore the polls and work like the polls show our candidates 5 points down. Remember, while all indications show Barack Obama will be our next president, if we believe the polls, Al Gore would be concluding his second term or we would be working to re-elect President John Kerry right now.
On a personal note specifically dealing with our campaign for the United State Congress, I want to assure everyone that I am working as hard as I can heading into the final week of the campaign. Back in January when Kelly and I decided we would enter the race we knew that 2008 would be a difficult year for our family. We've missed opportunities to do things as a family but we knew solving the problems besieging our nation required a sacrifice. What is encouraging is watching the work everyone is doing and seeing people giving of their time and donating their personal skills to bring a positive result on November 4th.
For the final week, I ask that everyone keep in mind what the real goal is. The real goal isn't just to win an election, what we are working for in 2008 is to take back our future. I've been stressing to voters the last couple of weeks to realize over the last 8 years poor decisions in Washington have put the future for our children and grandchildren in jeopardy. The one issue more apparent than any other is the outrageous deficit and debt that George W. Bush will leave behind when he moves out of the White House in January.
My Republican opponent constantly says the "Bush tax cuts are our tax cuts" when the real truth is the Bush debt is our debt. The only way we are going to get our future back is by voting for the right people on November 4th who will make the tough decisions to put our country back in order. It all starts with making our federal government fiscally strong so we can invest in our nation and make the lives of all our citizens better. Sacrifice will be necessary, but in the end our country will be better.
A Very Important Endorsement:
I am please to announce that my candidacy has received the endorsement of the Veterans and Military Families for Progress. In the letter informing our campaign of the endorsement the organization stated "Veterans and Military Families for Progress has chosen to endorse your campaign. We do this in recognition of your support of veteran, active duty, guard, reserve, and military family issues. We hope that in some way our endorsement provides you an electoral advantage and ultimately ensures your election to the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District seat".
This is a very important endorsement to receive from a prestigious organization that is dedicated to supporting the issues important of the active military and their families along with our veterans. This is an endorsement our campaign can be very proud to receive.
Campaign Commercial:
We are getting our message of fiscal responsibility out to the people of this district. We have a plan to right the ship and move in a new direction that includes balancing the budget, paying down the debt and investing here at home.
We can't afford any more of the "borrow and spend" mentality that has gotten us in this situation. This debt is a national security and issue and we intend to confront it with the experience and even-handedness it requires.
Review of the Past Week on the Campaign Trail:
I participated in 4 more candidate debates this week. We started off Monday evening with a 2 hour debate from Mansfield University in Tioga County that was broadcast live on PCN. Tuesday and Wednesday brought debates in smaller venues with stop in Bellefonte on Tuesday and an event on Wednesday in Lewistown. On Thursday all 3 candidates participated in a live 1 hour debate broadcast live on WPSU-TV.
The one thing I've taken out of all these debates that I've participated in, some just with my Republican opponent and others that also included the Libertarian candidate, is I am on the right side of the issues that affect the majority of the people in the 5th district. When you list off the issues we are regularly asked about in the debates -- Fiscal Responsibility, Health Care Reform, Social Security, Public Education Policy, Energy Policy and the Iraq War, the stances I take which mostly mirrors the rest of the Democratic Party platform are in line with what I am hearing from voters in the 5th district. We won't know until next week if what I'm saying is really resonating with the voters in the 5th district but I feel confident that our message is strong and voters are listening.
Saturday finished the week with a strong day of campaigning. I started out the day at 1 PM in Emporium, Cameron County for the fall Democratic luncheon. I then made a 70 mile dash to Lock Haven to attend a 3 PM GOTV rally headlined by Gov. Ed Rendell. I shared the stage with Rep. Mike Hanna, Obama campaign rep. Jayson Harpster, Clinton County Commissioners Joel Long and Adam Coleman, Lock Haven Mayor Rick Vilello and Clinton County Democratic Chairman Dave Wallace. Then it was on to a 5 PM appearance in Boalsburg at the Centre County Democratic Fall banquet with Gov. Rendell and all the Democratic candidates representing Centre County. The long day ended with a final stop after 7 PM in Lewistown for the Mifflin County Democratic Fall banquet.
Schedule for Upcoming Week:
Monday -- 6 PM -- Meeting with Federal Credit Union Members -- Hampton Inn DuBois
Tuesday -- 8 AM -- Radio Interview WRSC
Tuesday -- 9:30 AM -- Tour of AccuWeather
Tuesday -- 6:30 PM -- Debate in New Bethlehem / Clarion County sponsored by League of Women Voters
Wednesday -- 7 PM -- Penn State Political Science Debate -- West Hall Commons Building -- Main Campus
Thursday -- 8 AM -- Radio Interview -- DuBois
Thursday -- 7 PM -- WPSU Radio Debate
Friday -- 8 AM -- Radio Interview with Jerry Fisher -- State College
Saturday -- Time TBD -- GOTV Rally in Clarion County
Sunday -- Time TBD -- GOTV Rally in State College
FUNDRAISING REMINDER -- Keep talking with people about the 5,000 Friends to Flip the Fifth project. We can win the 5th District Congressional District for the first time in 32 years but we need to be organizing our forces heading into the final weeks. The only way to turn this country around is to send people to Washington who will make the tough decisions. The choice in the 5th district is clear. My opponent regularly states that he supports the fiscal policies of the Bush administration AKA "the Bush tax cuts" and will continue them -- More of the Same. While I continue to stress that we must balance the budget, built a surplus and pay down the debt.
In order to get the message out to voters we will need to advertise which costs money. Please contact your family and friends and urge them to financially support our campaign as we move into the final weeks. Donations can be made online through www.actblue.com or by direct mail to McCracken for Congress, PO Box 332, Clearfield PA 16830.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- Come January 2009 -- We Must Remember What The American People Expect
Earlier this week I received an email from a 5th district voter with very strong pro-life beliefs who would like to vote for me. She told me via email that she is comfortable that I am Catholic and my stance on pro-life issues is similar to that of Sen. Robert Casey. She feels it is very likely Barack Obama will be elected President and the Democratic Party will gain seats Congress. Where her concern lies is what actions a newly inaugurated President Barack Obama and a United States Congress with a strong Democratic majority will take after January of 2009. She is afraid there will be a far left agenda that will attempt to overturn pro-life initiatives put into effect like the ban on partial birth abortions.
In my response back to her, I explained that my agenda when I arrive in Washington will be exactly what I’ve been campaigning on. I want to concentrate on fiscal responsibility, a national energy policy that stresses domestically produced alternative fuels, health care and health insurance reform, saving and strengthening Social Security, rescinding No Child Left Behind and bringing our troops home from Iraq. I also mentioned that I will not stand for Congress losing sight of what the agenda must be -- solving the problems important to the middle class.
There are so many important issues the American people want resolved and, if they give the Democratic Party a mandate with the election of Barack Obama as President and a larger majority in the United States Congress, we must strictly honor the wishes of the people. From Barack Obama on down, we need to realize going in the American people want results and they want the mess left by George W. Bush cleaned up. What they not accept is veering off on a far left agenda that brings issues to the table that have nothing to do with the economy and the problems of the middle class.
For the first time since the so called “Reagan Revolution” in 1980, the country is ready to put their full trust in the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party the voters want to see is one that will concentrate on the problems of the middle class and will reflect the leadership values of Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. To make this happen and to honor the trust the American people will give to the Democratic Party on November 4th, the far left elements must stand down and allow Barack Obama and a moderate Democratic Congress to lead this country. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn our country around and there is no margin for error.
Gen. Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama:
Today’s endorsement by Colin Powell of Barack Obama is news that will likely solidify what the outcome will be on November 4th. To have someone of Gen. Powell’s stature come out and endorse Sen. Obama should speak volumes to any of the undecided voters still out there. It should also encourage those to of us who long ago decided that Barack Obama is the leader we need that we made the right choice.
Review of the Past Week on the Campaign Trail:
This week I participated in 3 candidate forum / debates with my opponents. I feel very confident in my performance against my 2 opponents and I am able to show the voters that we are on their side on the important issues like fiscal responsibility, health care reform, saving Social Security, energy policy and the concern for the problems of the middle class.
On Friday evening, Henry Guthrie and I traveled to Forest County to meet with members of the Democratic Party there. Thanks to Sheriff Bob Wolfgang for arranging the meeting. There was a large contingent of Forest County Democrats at the meeting and they are ready to do everything they can to help our campaign and see a big Democratic victory on November 4th.
On Saturday evening, Kelly and I traveled to Ridgway for the Elk County Democratic Committee fall dinner. It was a wonderful event and we got to hear a round of great speeches from Nye Simmons representing the Obama campaign, Don Hilliard running for the State Senate and Rep. Dan Surra running for re-election to the state house. The folks in Elk County are out working hard for the Democratic ticket and I reminded them that Elk County with a solid Democratic registration majority will play a large role in the outcome of the 5th district race.
Schedule for Upcoming Week:
Monday -- 11:30 AM -- Williamsport Rotary
Monday -- 5:00 PM -- McCracken for Congress Pre-Debate Reception - St. James Church Parish Hall -- 30 Wellsboro Street -- Mansfield PA.
Monday -- 7:00 PM -- Tioga County Debate -- Mansfield Univ. Straughn Auditorium
Tuesday -- 3 - 3:45 PM -- Arnold Addison Court in St. College -- with Art Goldschmidt
Tuesday -- 4 - 5 PM Foxdale Retirement Community in St. College -- with Art Goldschmidt
Tuesday -- 7 PM -- Bellefonte Media Outlet Debate
Wednesday -- 6:30 PM -- Mifflin County Farm Bureau Debate -- Indian Valley HS - Lewistown
Thursday -- 7 PM -- WPSU TV Debate -- State College
Friday -- WJAC Debate in Centre County -- Details TBA
Saturday -- 1 PM -- Cameron County Democratic Lunch - Emporium
Saturday -- 5 PM -- Centre County Fall Democratic Banquet -- State College
Sunday -- 12 Noon -- House Party at Marie Sweets in State College
FUNDRAISING REMINDER -- Keep talking with people about the 5,000 Friends to Flip the Fifth project. We can win the 5th District Congressional District for the first time in 32 years but we need to be organizing our forces heading into the final weeks. The only way to turn this country around is to send people to Washington who will make the tough decisions. The choice in the 5th district is clear. My opponent regularly states that he supports the fiscal policies of the Bush administration AKA "the Bush tax cuts" and will continue them -- More of the Same. While I continue to stress that we must balance the budget, built a surplus and pay down the debt.
In order to get the message out to voters we will need to advertise which costs money. Please contact your family and friends and urge them to financially support our campaign as we move into the final weeks. Donations can be made online through www.actblue.com or by direct mail to McCracken for Congress, PO Box 332, Clearfield PA 16830.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
In my response back to her, I explained that my agenda when I arrive in Washington will be exactly what I’ve been campaigning on. I want to concentrate on fiscal responsibility, a national energy policy that stresses domestically produced alternative fuels, health care and health insurance reform, saving and strengthening Social Security, rescinding No Child Left Behind and bringing our troops home from Iraq. I also mentioned that I will not stand for Congress losing sight of what the agenda must be -- solving the problems important to the middle class.
There are so many important issues the American people want resolved and, if they give the Democratic Party a mandate with the election of Barack Obama as President and a larger majority in the United States Congress, we must strictly honor the wishes of the people. From Barack Obama on down, we need to realize going in the American people want results and they want the mess left by George W. Bush cleaned up. What they not accept is veering off on a far left agenda that brings issues to the table that have nothing to do with the economy and the problems of the middle class.
For the first time since the so called “Reagan Revolution” in 1980, the country is ready to put their full trust in the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party the voters want to see is one that will concentrate on the problems of the middle class and will reflect the leadership values of Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. To make this happen and to honor the trust the American people will give to the Democratic Party on November 4th, the far left elements must stand down and allow Barack Obama and a moderate Democratic Congress to lead this country. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn our country around and there is no margin for error.
Gen. Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama:
Today’s endorsement by Colin Powell of Barack Obama is news that will likely solidify what the outcome will be on November 4th. To have someone of Gen. Powell’s stature come out and endorse Sen. Obama should speak volumes to any of the undecided voters still out there. It should also encourage those to of us who long ago decided that Barack Obama is the leader we need that we made the right choice.
Review of the Past Week on the Campaign Trail:
This week I participated in 3 candidate forum / debates with my opponents. I feel very confident in my performance against my 2 opponents and I am able to show the voters that we are on their side on the important issues like fiscal responsibility, health care reform, saving Social Security, energy policy and the concern for the problems of the middle class.
On Friday evening, Henry Guthrie and I traveled to Forest County to meet with members of the Democratic Party there. Thanks to Sheriff Bob Wolfgang for arranging the meeting. There was a large contingent of Forest County Democrats at the meeting and they are ready to do everything they can to help our campaign and see a big Democratic victory on November 4th.
On Saturday evening, Kelly and I traveled to Ridgway for the Elk County Democratic Committee fall dinner. It was a wonderful event and we got to hear a round of great speeches from Nye Simmons representing the Obama campaign, Don Hilliard running for the State Senate and Rep. Dan Surra running for re-election to the state house. The folks in Elk County are out working hard for the Democratic ticket and I reminded them that Elk County with a solid Democratic registration majority will play a large role in the outcome of the 5th district race.
Schedule for Upcoming Week:
Monday -- 11:30 AM -- Williamsport Rotary
Monday -- 5:00 PM -- McCracken for Congress Pre-Debate Reception - St. James Church Parish Hall -- 30 Wellsboro Street -- Mansfield PA.
Monday -- 7:00 PM -- Tioga County Debate -- Mansfield Univ. Straughn Auditorium
Tuesday -- 3 - 3:45 PM -- Arnold Addison Court in St. College -- with Art Goldschmidt
Tuesday -- 4 - 5 PM Foxdale Retirement Community in St. College -- with Art Goldschmidt
Tuesday -- 7 PM -- Bellefonte Media Outlet Debate
Wednesday -- 6:30 PM -- Mifflin County Farm Bureau Debate -- Indian Valley HS - Lewistown
Thursday -- 7 PM -- WPSU TV Debate -- State College
Friday -- WJAC Debate in Centre County -- Details TBA
Saturday -- 1 PM -- Cameron County Democratic Lunch - Emporium
Saturday -- 5 PM -- Centre County Fall Democratic Banquet -- State College
Sunday -- 12 Noon -- House Party at Marie Sweets in State College
FUNDRAISING REMINDER -- Keep talking with people about the 5,000 Friends to Flip the Fifth project. We can win the 5th District Congressional District for the first time in 32 years but we need to be organizing our forces heading into the final weeks. The only way to turn this country around is to send people to Washington who will make the tough decisions. The choice in the 5th district is clear. My opponent regularly states that he supports the fiscal policies of the Bush administration AKA "the Bush tax cuts" and will continue them -- More of the Same. While I continue to stress that we must balance the budget, built a surplus and pay down the debt.
In order to get the message out to voters we will need to advertise which costs money. Please contact your family and friends and urge them to financially support our campaign as we move into the final weeks. Donations can be made online through www.actblue.com or by direct mail to McCracken for Congress, PO Box 332, Clearfield PA 16830.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
Monday, October 13, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- Who is Responsible for the Financial Crisis? -- October 12th, 2008
Not surprisingly, we are seeing on TV and across the nation a strong and sometimes vicious debate erupting about who or what is to blame for the financial meltdown that is impacting not only our domestic markets but world markets as well. This was also a hot subject at the debates and forums held this week for the candidates in the 5th district race.
It is very troubling to see certain people on the national scene attempt to blame this crisis on people who took out mortgages they could not afford. We are also hearing criticism that federal government policies put in place during the 90's to encourage home ownership by low income minorities was a major factor in the crisis.
The problem was not caused by hard working people who were trying to purchase a home. The problem lies with the lending institutions that made bad loans and the people who approved the loans. The lending institutions should have been performing stringent reviews and they had the authority to approve or reject loans and mortgages. Regardless of what the federal government was saying, the lending institutions should have been looking out for their own best interests and when someone applied for a mortgage that was a risk, the lending institution should have rejected the application and advised the person to find a home that was more affordable.
The problem is widespread and I know first hand of people who were rejected by local lending institutions only to find an out of the area lender that approved their mortgage on a property they will struggle to afford. Not only do they have a problem paying the mortgage but the property taxes are also more than they can reasonably afford. There are many cases where good lending institutions will tell someone no but there were others willing to take a gamble and approve risky lending.
The gamble these risky lenders took was two fold. First, the lending institution gambles the borrower can struggle and make the payments, with the second part of the gamble being somewhat unethical. They were betting against the people they were lending money to with the secondary goal being foreclosure on the property. The unethical portion of this is betting that someone would fail, causing families to lose their homes so a corporate interest could gain ownership of real estate. Of course what goes around comes around. The housing bubble burst, values went down and the risky lending institutions were left holding ownership to properties that are now worth less than what was owed on their books.
It is unconscionable that corporate America, Wall Street and certain political and media elements now point the finger of blame at people who just wanted a better life with a nice home. Blame and responsibility lies with those who had the control to approve or reject lending. Over the last 30 years, corporate America, Wall Street and the financial interests have been granted wide ranging powers by our federal government and they decide the direction of our free market economy. REMEMBER -- With power comes responsibility. Now, ask yourself -- who is ultimately responsible for the financial crisis? Is it your neighbor down the street that lost his home or does the blame lie with those who made the risky business decisions?
Another Important Endorsement:
The McCracken for Congress Campaign has received another important endorsement from the 23,000 member United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776. In the letter to our campaign informing us of the endorsement, UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young IV wrote "Our endorsement recognizes your commitment to policies that will benefit working families".
Review of the Past Week on the Campaign Trail:
It was a busy week with candidate forums in Punxsutawney on Monday, Emporium on Tuesday, DuBois on Thursday and Williamsport on Friday. All of these events were very good with the forum in DuBois on Thursday lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes that was broadcast live of 4 radio stations. The DuBois forum sponsored by the DuBois Chamber along with both the Democratic and Republican county committees offered some unique and challenging subjects for all 3 candidates to address.
Late Friday evening I attended the oPROMa event in State College that was organized by the Penn State College Democrats. In speaking with the Penn State College Democrats, I reminded them to spread the word to their fellow students that this election is their election to change the future. During the last 8 years, George W. Bush and his administration's policies have mortgaged the future of our nation. I concluded my brief speech with the call "During the last 8 years Bush has tried to take your future from you - Go out on November 4th and take your future back".
Saturday was a busy day with events on both ends of the district that were complicated with some personal problems. I woke up on Saturday with a very sore throat and hardly any voice. I was hoping it would get better during the day but it didn't. What a nightmare -- a politician without a voice.
We attended the Flaming Foliage Festival Parade in Renovo early in the afternoon. It was a great parade with the streets jam packed with people.
Schedule for Upcoming Week:
Tuesday 7 PM -- PSU DuBois -- Meeting with Students for Obama
Wednesday 8:30 AM -- St Marys -- AHUG Breakfast Forum
Wednesday 7 PM -- Centre County League of Women Voters Debate -- State College
Thursday 7 PM -- WPVL Debate -- State College
Friday 7 PM -- Meeting With Forest County Voters and Officials
Saturday 8 AM -- AARP Candidates Breakfast -- DuBois
Saturday -- 6 PM -- Elk County Democratic Fall Banquet -- Ridgway / Royal Inn
FUNDRAISING REMINDER -- Keep talking with people about the 5,000 Friends to Flip the Fifth project. We can win the 5th District Congressional District for the first time in 32 years but we need to be organizing our forces heading into the final weeks. The only way to turn this country around is to send people to Washington who will make the tough decisions. The choice in the 5th district is clear. My opponent regularly states that he supports the fiscal policies of the Bush administration AKA "the Bush tax cuts" and will continue them -- More of the Same. While I continue to stress that we must balance the budget, built a surplus and pay down the debt.
In order to get the message out to voters we will need to advertise which costs money. Please contact your family and friends and urge them to financially support our campaign as we move into the final weeks. Donations can be made online through www.actblue.com or by direct mail to McCracken for Congress, PO Box 332, Clearfield PA 16830.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
It is very troubling to see certain people on the national scene attempt to blame this crisis on people who took out mortgages they could not afford. We are also hearing criticism that federal government policies put in place during the 90's to encourage home ownership by low income minorities was a major factor in the crisis.
The problem was not caused by hard working people who were trying to purchase a home. The problem lies with the lending institutions that made bad loans and the people who approved the loans. The lending institutions should have been performing stringent reviews and they had the authority to approve or reject loans and mortgages. Regardless of what the federal government was saying, the lending institutions should have been looking out for their own best interests and when someone applied for a mortgage that was a risk, the lending institution should have rejected the application and advised the person to find a home that was more affordable.
The problem is widespread and I know first hand of people who were rejected by local lending institutions only to find an out of the area lender that approved their mortgage on a property they will struggle to afford. Not only do they have a problem paying the mortgage but the property taxes are also more than they can reasonably afford. There are many cases where good lending institutions will tell someone no but there were others willing to take a gamble and approve risky lending.
The gamble these risky lenders took was two fold. First, the lending institution gambles the borrower can struggle and make the payments, with the second part of the gamble being somewhat unethical. They were betting against the people they were lending money to with the secondary goal being foreclosure on the property. The unethical portion of this is betting that someone would fail, causing families to lose their homes so a corporate interest could gain ownership of real estate. Of course what goes around comes around. The housing bubble burst, values went down and the risky lending institutions were left holding ownership to properties that are now worth less than what was owed on their books.
It is unconscionable that corporate America, Wall Street and certain political and media elements now point the finger of blame at people who just wanted a better life with a nice home. Blame and responsibility lies with those who had the control to approve or reject lending. Over the last 30 years, corporate America, Wall Street and the financial interests have been granted wide ranging powers by our federal government and they decide the direction of our free market economy. REMEMBER -- With power comes responsibility. Now, ask yourself -- who is ultimately responsible for the financial crisis? Is it your neighbor down the street that lost his home or does the blame lie with those who made the risky business decisions?
Another Important Endorsement:
The McCracken for Congress Campaign has received another important endorsement from the 23,000 member United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776. In the letter to our campaign informing us of the endorsement, UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young IV wrote "Our endorsement recognizes your commitment to policies that will benefit working families".
Review of the Past Week on the Campaign Trail:
It was a busy week with candidate forums in Punxsutawney on Monday, Emporium on Tuesday, DuBois on Thursday and Williamsport on Friday. All of these events were very good with the forum in DuBois on Thursday lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes that was broadcast live of 4 radio stations. The DuBois forum sponsored by the DuBois Chamber along with both the Democratic and Republican county committees offered some unique and challenging subjects for all 3 candidates to address.
Late Friday evening I attended the oPROMa event in State College that was organized by the Penn State College Democrats. In speaking with the Penn State College Democrats, I reminded them to spread the word to their fellow students that this election is their election to change the future. During the last 8 years, George W. Bush and his administration's policies have mortgaged the future of our nation. I concluded my brief speech with the call "During the last 8 years Bush has tried to take your future from you - Go out on November 4th and take your future back".
Saturday was a busy day with events on both ends of the district that were complicated with some personal problems. I woke up on Saturday with a very sore throat and hardly any voice. I was hoping it would get better during the day but it didn't. What a nightmare -- a politician without a voice.
We attended the Flaming Foliage Festival Parade in Renovo early in the afternoon. It was a great parade with the streets jam packed with people.
The Democratic float including State Rep. Mike Hanna, County Chair Dave Wallace, Clinton County Commissioner Adam Coleman, Senator John Wozniak and Clinton County Commissioner Joel Long. Not pictured -- Kelsey Lomanson who drove the Jeep pulling the float.
Mike Hanna and I tossing candy to the crowd.
With supporter Jonah and his mom Linda at the Venango County Dinner. By this time my voice was gone but Jonah assured me he has the 2nd grade votes at his school lined up for me.
Schedule for Upcoming Week:
Tuesday 7 PM -- PSU DuBois -- Meeting with Students for Obama
Wednesday 8:30 AM -- St Marys -- AHUG Breakfast Forum
Wednesday 7 PM -- Centre County League of Women Voters Debate -- State College
Thursday 7 PM -- WPVL Debate -- State College
Friday 7 PM -- Meeting With Forest County Voters and Officials
Saturday 8 AM -- AARP Candidates Breakfast -- DuBois
Saturday -- 6 PM -- Elk County Democratic Fall Banquet -- Ridgway / Royal Inn
FUNDRAISING REMINDER -- Keep talking with people about the 5,000 Friends to Flip the Fifth project. We can win the 5th District Congressional District for the first time in 32 years but we need to be organizing our forces heading into the final weeks. The only way to turn this country around is to send people to Washington who will make the tough decisions. The choice in the 5th district is clear. My opponent regularly states that he supports the fiscal policies of the Bush administration AKA "the Bush tax cuts" and will continue them -- More of the Same. While I continue to stress that we must balance the budget, built a surplus and pay down the debt.
In order to get the message out to voters we will need to advertise which costs money. Please contact your family and friends and urge them to financially support our campaign as we move into the final weeks. Donations can be made online through www.actblue.com or by direct mail to McCracken for Congress, PO Box 332, Clearfield PA 16830.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- United States National Debt Surpasses $10 Trillion
While everyone was focusing on the fate of the bailout plan this week, the federal government’s debt passed the $10 trillion mark with hardly anyone noticing. Of course, the bailout plan insures that this debt will climb even higher as there is specific language in the bailout plan authorizing the federal government to raise the debt limit and borrow up to $840 billion to fund the bailout.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK
The Outstanding Public Debt as of 05 Oct 2008 at 12:45:21 PM GMT is:
$10,156,891,193,312.09
The estimated population of the United States is 304,852,050
so each citizen's share of this debt is $33,317.19.
The National Debt has continued to increase an average of
$3.08 billion per day since September 28, 2007!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The working people of the United States should be outraged that the members of Congress passed the bailout bill without addressing a way to fund the cost. It is bordering on criminal that our elected leaders at the federal level continue to allow this debt to grow ignoring the impact it will have on the future security of our nation. I have continued to stress as the main theme of my campaign that we must elect leaders who will make fiscal responsibility a top priority. We must solve this problem now or we will pass it on to our children and grandchildren, leaving this country a weak shell of what it once was.
In a typical campaign year, voters would be looking for the candidates that are spreading the “Happy Days Are Here Again” message. However, in 2008, unless you are living a severe state of denial, you have to realize that tough times are upon us and tough choices must be made. I’ve heard my Republican opponent regularly state “I believe our best days are ahead of us.” The hard facts are people are struggling with higher fuel prices, no health care coverage, higher food prices and higher local taxes because of the failed policies of the last 8 years and the neglect of the problems affecting the middle class. While they’ve worked to reform welfare for individuals, our government is now passing bailout legislation that amounts to corporate welfare.
The real message voters need to hear is the hard truth. This country is a mess and tough decisions must be made to turn the country around. The turn around won’t be a quick and it won’t be easy. But, if voters do their part and make the right choices on November 4th, we can start the process to bring our country back. And, in bringing the country back, the emphasis must be on putting the needs of the working people above the desires of corporate America for profits.
Review of the Past Week on the Campaign Trail:
This past week I was on the road doing interviews with several newspapers from within the 5th district and I also recorded a ½ hour interview that will be broadcast later in October on PCN. There were also candidate forums this week in Clearfield and Bradford where I had the chance to discuss the issues with my opponents. Finally, we finished the week with 2 great events. On Friday in State College Justin Braz and Bill Van Saun arranged an event with some Penn State students so we could talk with them about how important this election is to young voters. State Rep. Scott Conklin also spoke with the young voters.
On Saturday we traveled to Clarion to participate in the Autumn Leaf Festival parade. It was a great event with special guests Franco Harris and his wife Dana on hand representing the Obama campaign. The people in Clarion were chanting “Franco, Franco” throughout the parade route and it was really encouraging to hear the cheers for the Democratic floats and the enthusiasm for Barack Obama. Special thanks go out to Clarion County Democratic Chairman Bill Miller for pulling everything together, State Rep. Matt Ellenberger and the Clarion University Young Dems for their work building 2 great floats.
Schedule for the Upcoming Week:
Tuesday -- Cameron County Debate - 6:00PM
Wednesday -- WJAC Interview - 9:00AM
Thursday -- Debate at State College High School [TENTATIVE] - 10:00AM, PSU-DuBois Debate - 6:30PM
Friday -- Lycoming County Grange Meet the Candidates Forum - 6:00PM, Dinner with the PSU Young Dems - 8:00PM
Saturday -- Renovo Flaming Foliage Parage - 12:00PM, Venango County Democratic Dinner - 7:00PM
FUNDRAISING REMINDER -- Keep talking with people about the 5,000 Friends to Flip the Fifth project. We can win the 5th District Congressional District for the first time in 32 years but we need to be organizing our forces heading into the final weeks. The only way to turn this country around is to send people to Washington who will make the tough decisions. The choice in the 5th district is clear. My opponent regularly states that he supports the fiscal policies of the Bush administration AKA "the Bush tax cuts" and will continue them -- More of the Same. While I continue to stress that we must balance the budget, built a surplus and pay down the debt.
In order to get the message out to voters we will need to advertise which costs money. Please contact your family and friends and urge them to financially support our campaign as we move into the final weeks. Donations can be made online through www.actblue.com or by direct mail to McCracken for Congress, PO Box 332, Clearfield PA 16830.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
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U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK
The Outstanding Public Debt as of 05 Oct 2008 at 12:45:21 PM GMT is:
$10,156,891,193,312.09
The estimated population of the United States is 304,852,050
so each citizen's share of this debt is $33,317.19.
The National Debt has continued to increase an average of
$3.08 billion per day since September 28, 2007!
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The working people of the United States should be outraged that the members of Congress passed the bailout bill without addressing a way to fund the cost. It is bordering on criminal that our elected leaders at the federal level continue to allow this debt to grow ignoring the impact it will have on the future security of our nation. I have continued to stress as the main theme of my campaign that we must elect leaders who will make fiscal responsibility a top priority. We must solve this problem now or we will pass it on to our children and grandchildren, leaving this country a weak shell of what it once was.
In a typical campaign year, voters would be looking for the candidates that are spreading the “Happy Days Are Here Again” message. However, in 2008, unless you are living a severe state of denial, you have to realize that tough times are upon us and tough choices must be made. I’ve heard my Republican opponent regularly state “I believe our best days are ahead of us.” The hard facts are people are struggling with higher fuel prices, no health care coverage, higher food prices and higher local taxes because of the failed policies of the last 8 years and the neglect of the problems affecting the middle class. While they’ve worked to reform welfare for individuals, our government is now passing bailout legislation that amounts to corporate welfare.
The real message voters need to hear is the hard truth. This country is a mess and tough decisions must be made to turn the country around. The turn around won’t be a quick and it won’t be easy. But, if voters do their part and make the right choices on November 4th, we can start the process to bring our country back. And, in bringing the country back, the emphasis must be on putting the needs of the working people above the desires of corporate America for profits.
Review of the Past Week on the Campaign Trail:
This past week I was on the road doing interviews with several newspapers from within the 5th district and I also recorded a ½ hour interview that will be broadcast later in October on PCN. There were also candidate forums this week in Clearfield and Bradford where I had the chance to discuss the issues with my opponents. Finally, we finished the week with 2 great events. On Friday in State College Justin Braz and Bill Van Saun arranged an event with some Penn State students so we could talk with them about how important this election is to young voters. State Rep. Scott Conklin also spoke with the young voters.
On Saturday we traveled to Clarion to participate in the Autumn Leaf Festival parade. It was a great event with special guests Franco Harris and his wife Dana on hand representing the Obama campaign. The people in Clarion were chanting “Franco, Franco” throughout the parade route and it was really encouraging to hear the cheers for the Democratic floats and the enthusiasm for Barack Obama. Special thanks go out to Clarion County Democratic Chairman Bill Miller for pulling everything together, State Rep. Matt Ellenberger and the Clarion University Young Dems for their work building 2 great floats.
Franco Harris with Clarion University Young Dems
With State Rep Candidate Matt Ellenberger in front of Democratic Float
Bob Myers from Venango County getting autograph from Franco Harris
Talking with Franco Harris
Tuesday -- Cameron County Debate - 6:00PM
Wednesday -- WJAC Interview - 9:00AM
Thursday -- Debate at State College High School [TENTATIVE] - 10:00AM, PSU-DuBois Debate - 6:30PM
Friday -- Lycoming County Grange Meet the Candidates Forum - 6:00PM, Dinner with the PSU Young Dems - 8:00PM
Saturday -- Renovo Flaming Foliage Parage - 12:00PM, Venango County Democratic Dinner - 7:00PM
FUNDRAISING REMINDER -- Keep talking with people about the 5,000 Friends to Flip the Fifth project. We can win the 5th District Congressional District for the first time in 32 years but we need to be organizing our forces heading into the final weeks. The only way to turn this country around is to send people to Washington who will make the tough decisions. The choice in the 5th district is clear. My opponent regularly states that he supports the fiscal policies of the Bush administration AKA "the Bush tax cuts" and will continue them -- More of the Same. While I continue to stress that we must balance the budget, built a surplus and pay down the debt.
In order to get the message out to voters we will need to advertise which costs money. Please contact your family and friends and urge them to financially support our campaign as we move into the final weeks. Donations can be made online through www.actblue.com or by direct mail to McCracken for Congress, PO Box 332, Clearfield PA 16830.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
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