Mark McCracken

One has to wonder what the family reunion dinners are like at the Paterno household.  We know from his writings and his stances on the issues during his congressional run that Scott Paterno, youngest son of Joe Paterno, is a very conservative Republican.  We also know JoePa has stumped for many Republican candidates over the last few decades including George W. Bush.  Joe and Scott even did a fundraiser event with George Bush, Sr. when Scott ran for Congress. But, it appears not all of the Paterno clan falls in the Republican camp as another one of Joe’s sons, Jay Paterno, spent last night stumping with Democrats at a rally for Barack Obama.  Jay used part of his speaking time to take a shot at George W. Bush, who is father and Scott campaigned for in 2004..  Scott is known to be very outspoken about his views and this should make for interesting discussions.  Paterno and congressional candidate Mark McCracken were among the featured speakers in Center County. 

The $123,171 raised in the second quarter by Republican congressional candidate Glenn Thompson isn't much compared to some other congressional candidates with a good chance at winning.

But it's like Fort Knox compared to what his opponent raised.

Democratic candidate Mark McCracken raised $14,813 during the same time period, giving him $7,877 on hand.

Thompson has nearly $75,000 more, with $83,867 on hand.

The fundraising totals only confirm Thompson's heavy-favorite status in the 5th Congressional District as he seeks to replace longtime Republican U.S. Rep. John Peterson.

The second quarter is over and now we wait for the FEC numbers to be released.  But what should we expect?

In the 3rd district Phil English is facing off against challenger Kathy Dahlkemper.  In April English was showing $690k cash on had after raising $282k in the first quarter.   Dalhkemper raised $58k during the same period and had $71k on hand.  This is the make or break quarter for Dahlkemper.  She has been named as a candidate to watch on the DCCC Red-to-Blue program, but another $58k quarter will not get the job done.  For Dahlkemper to be taken seriously by the DCCC she will need to post a number that puts her with at least $250k cash on hand.

Winners based on the vote count from the PA Secretary of State website.

Democratic Presidential: Hillary Clinton
Democratic State Treasurer: Robert McCord

Congress
PA-03 Democratic: Kathy Daulkemper
PA-05 Democratic: Mark McCracken
PA-05 Republican: Glenn Thompson
PA-10 Republican: Chris Hackett
PA-18 Democratic: Steve O'Donnell

State Senate
SD1 Democratic: Lawrence Farnese
SD13 Republican: Lloyd Smucker
SD15 Democratic: Judy Hirsh
SD17 Republican: Lance Rogers
SD23 Republican: Gene Yaw
SD33 Republican: Richard Alloway
SD39 Democratic: Tony Bompiani
SD47 Democratic: Sean Michael Ramaley
SD47 Republican: Elder Vogel

PolitickerPA.com asked all the candidates in the 5th Congressional District a series of questions via E-mail. Here are the answers from Democrat Mark McCracken, a Clearfield County Commissioner, computer engineer and former School Board member.