BATTLE FOR CONGRESS DOWN TO 2

Mark McCracken

A new congressman will be sworn in next January representing the 5th District. On Tuesday, voters across the region narrowed that choice from 12 men to two.

Republican Glenn "G. T." Thompson Jr. enters the race as a heavy favorite, based on voter registration totals and tradition, as he squares off against the Democratic nominee, Mark McCracken, in the November election.

Thompson, likely benefiting from an 11th-hour endorsement from the retiring incumbent, John Peterson (RPleasantville), won the Republican nomination by a slender margin, according to unofficial vote totals reported on Wednesday.

Thompson, 48, emerged with 19 percent of the vote from the 17- county 5th District, compared with 18 percent for both Derek Walker and Matt Shaner and 14 percent for Jeff Stroehmann. Five other candidates trailed the leaders by a wide margin.

McCracken, 44, received about 30,000 votes, compared to 25,000 for Bill Cahir and 17,500 for Rick Vilello.

Thompson, who serves as Centre County Republican Committee chairman, has long been active in party affairs and has been employed in the health care industry. His campaign platform included continuation of Bush administration tax cuts, support of alternative fuels, and greater government support of health care for the elderly.

Glenn Thompson

McCracken is serving in his second term as a Clearfield County commissioner. He has spoken out in favor of policies to encourage farmland preservation, greater federal support for public education and regional tourism.