CLEARFIELD – On Feb. 19, Clearfield County Commissioner Mark McCracken was extended an invitation to accompany U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-5 of Howard, to President Barack Obama’s first State of the Nation Address in Washington, D.C.
“I was pleasantly surprised by his offer. He only had one ticket,” McCracken said. He said that the invitation wasn’t his first from Thompson though.
He said that Thompson had previously asked him if he was interested in attending the Presidential Inauguration at the end of January. He said that after some thought, he declined due largely to the expected crowd that the ceremony would draw.
While in the nation’s capital, McCracken heard President Obama speak to a joint session of Congress and was seated about 15 away from First Lady Michelle Obama at the Feb. 24 address.
“It was an opportunity in and of itself to sit in the house chamber and hear the President speak,” he said.
“I was surprised by watching the reactions of the senate and house (members). I could see the partisan issues that are there on their faces.”
But McCracken said that he also used the trip as an opportunity to further lay the groundwork for a relationship with the Congressman. He said that he met with others alongside Thompson and discussed present issues that affect Clearfield County and the surrounding region.
“We were very respectful to each other during our campaigns and after the election. I called and congratulated him on the night of the election,” he said, noting that he’s ready to work and help Thompson from the commissioner’s office.
McCracken said that it has been a difficult time under the current economic situation that will be ongoing for a while.
“It’ll be nice to have someone in Washington that can be contacted. At some point, you have to put politics aside,” he said.
“He’s an elected congressman. I’m an elected commissioner. We can’t get anything accomplished without a relationship.”
Looking ahead, McCracken said he’s confident that he can call on Thompson. He said that he knows the call will be returned and his requests heard.
“It’s not always going to be a yes, but he will at least hear me out. We’re not always going to agree, but we need to share our differences in opinion. He’s our voice,” he said.
He said he wishes his former foe the best and hopes that he sees success in his position.
McCracken said that he currently has no plans to run for Congress in the next election. He said the process was enjoyable and everything he expected.