This past week had important events scheduled every day ending with a very busy weekend. Here is a brief rundown of the highlights of the week:
The first major joint debate between the 2 candidates in the 5th Congressional District was held on Tuesday at the CBICC luncheon. The event was broadcast later that evening on PCN. The feedback I’ve received is that the debate clearly showed the contrast where I stand on the important issues, both regional and national, and where my opponent stands. The important topics addressed included healthcare, the Iraq war and the growing crisis of increasing gas and energy costs.
On Thursday, I attended an open house for the expansion of Murmac Farms outside of Bellefonte. This was a very educational trip for me as I got to see the operation of a modern dairy farm with 1000 cows that are milked daily. Speaking with the owner, he explained to me the trials of running the operation which is a 7 day a week, year round operation. It is a family business with 2 of his 3 sons also living and working on the farm. The farm also employs around 25 people on a full time basis. The most interesting thing I learned was how technology is used on a modern dairy farm. Every cow has a device around their neck that is read as they move through the process of milking. The data is retrieved using wireless technology and fed back into computers which monitor their daily milk output and how much feed they consume.
Friday I traveled to Altoona to attend the annual convention of the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women. I was honored to be one of the featured speakers along with fellow congressional candidates Tony Barr from the 9th district, Kathy Dahlkemper from the 4th district, State Representative Scott Conklin and Auditor General Jack Wagner.
The week ended with campaign chairman Henry Guthrie traveling with me to Wellsboro on Saturday for the Laurel Festival and Parade. The parade was late in starting due to a nasty passing thunderstorm and the parade had to end abruptly when another storm passed through the area. However, it was another enjoyable visit to Tioga County and I got to speak with a good number of people while I attended the festival prior to the parade.
On the way home from Tioga County, we made a side trip to Williamsport to stop in at the headquarters of the Lycoming County Democratic Party. It was inspiring to see 4 young people from the Obama campaign along with a person from the county Democratic Party working at the headquarters on a Saturday evening. It shows how committed people are to positive change in our country.
Finally on Sunday, Kelly, Amanda and I traveled to State College for 2 house parties hosted by Art and Louise Goldschmidt from 3 to 5 and then it was on to Mary Jane Havanec’s house from 5 to 7. Both house parties offered a great opportunity to talk about the issues important to the people in attendance. I was also encouraged by several college students who are Obama supporters that came to Art and Louise’s party. It is great to see their commitment, not only to Senator Obama, but to the entire Democratic slate of candidates.
It was a very busy week for the campaign with many people taking time to be involved. I want to thank all the Centre County Democrats who turned out to support me at the debate on Tuesday. I also want to thank the Democrats in Tioga County that arranged for a booth at the Laurel Festival and finally, thanks to the Goldschmidt’s and the Havanec’s for hosting the house parties on Sunday and for everyone who took the time to come out and meet with me.
Below is information about a fundraising event we will be having in Clearfield on July 17th:
McCracken for Congress Dinner
Thursday, July 17th at 5:30PM
Lawrence Township Fire Company Social Hall
Mill Road – Clearfield
Come out and support the campaign to elect Mark B. McCracken to Congress from the 5th Congressional District. Cost $20 per person – Meal catered by the Country Butcher – Door Prizes – Call for tickets at 765-6821 or 577-3374 or email requests to mccrackenforcongress@verizon.net .
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate For Congress
————————————————————————————————–
This diary is cross-posted at McCracken’s campaign blog, PA’s Blue Fifth
Mark McCracken for Congress
ActBlue page