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Four years ago in November, we as a newspaper didn't endorse either George W. Bush or John Kerry. Instead, we published the viewpoints of several editors in this space, reflecting a nearly down-the-middle split - although it wasn't a pro-Kerry split. Some of us endorsed Kerry because, in our system of government, one can't vote "No" for non-judicial incumbents.
This year in April, the Pennsylvania primary election, once thought to be an irrelevant afterthought, is interesting in terms of how well the two remaining Republican candidates, presumptive nominee John McCain and Libertarian/Republican Ron Paul, will do - and Tuesday's election is vital, perhaps decisive, in deciding the Democratic nomination between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, both senators.
We prefer Obama - because we perceive a Hillary Clinton presidency to be as disastrous in the next four years as some of us foresaw (all too accurately, it turns out) a second term for George W. Bush to be unpalatable. Again, we can't vote "No." Obama, in our view, has a lot to learn - but he can learn, as he has demonstrated. Clinton ... knows it all, in her own mind.
The most interesting races, however, are for Congress. Nine Republicans and three Democrats seek two nominations to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. John Peterson.
For the first time in a long time, the Democrats are offering candidates who clearly have solid credentials for the office. Our choice, Clearfield County Commissioner Mark McCracken, rests on two reasons. We know him and his record of solid service at the county level; and McCracken has the sense to bluntly say that no new Congressman, Democrat or Republican, can bring jobs, cut energy costs, ease the war in Iraq or do much of anything else until the federal government reverses its catastrophic deficit spending, with a $9-trillion-plus national debt.
But we have been impressed with Bill Cahir and Rick Vilello. Either could do the job; we just think McCracken has the best handle on it.
We are impressed with Republican candidate: Glenn Thompson (Peterson's choice) and John Stroup (Rep. Fred McIlhattan and Sen. Mary Jo White's choice). Derek Walker (current state Sen. Joe Scarnati's and former Rep. Bill Clinger's choice) and Matt Shaner last week launched ad attacks against each other that were offensive as well as negative. That's unseemly, and beneath the dignity of what we want in Congress. As for charges filed Thursday against Walker over a 2007 incident with a former girlfriend ... at this writing, they are just that: Charges.
At the state level, there is only one meaningful primary election contest: State Rep. Sam Smith of Punxsutawney vs. Harry Bodenhorn of Oliver Township for the 66th District seat. We haven't always agreed with Smith, but he has been an effective representative for this area, and holds a position of power in the House that ought not to be lightly discarded.
We like Smith.
Be warned, though; there are more candidates and offices listed on Tuesday's ballot. Information on statewide candidates for attorney general, auditor general and treasurer is in today's Section B (sports).
We expect the winners in the Congressional race (both parties) and in the Democratic presidential race to be decided by small margins, probably hundreds of votes, perhaps a few dozen.
Your vote counts - a lot.
Our opinions don't, except insofar as they are useful to you in making your decisions.
Please vote on Tuesday.
- Denny Bonavita
