Letter: McCracken Will Represent People, Not Special Interests

If you want to know who your politicians really represent, just follow the money.

In Pennsylvania candidates for office must file periodic reports with the State showing contributions they received and the source of those contributions. These reports are available at www.campaignfinancesonline.pa.gov.

The latest contribution numbers available for the two candidates for the 171st  Legislative District tell a sad story about the state of today’s politics.

Twenty-two-year incumbent Kerry Benninghoff has learned to tap the system well, and his contribution numbers clearly show it.  According to the latest available reports Benninghoff has received 88 contributions from PACs, corporations and trade associations and just five (5!) contributions from real people.  It’s obvious who Benninghoff really represents.

Challenger Erin McCracken promised to refuse any funding from corporation PACs and she has kept her promise.  The latest numbers show she has exactly zero contributions from PACs, but has 681 contributions from individuals. It’s obvious who Erin will represent.

Corporations use their PACs to give money because they want something in return. The special interests must like the return on their investment in Benninghoff.

Individuals give money because they believe a candidate will really represent them. Real people know Erin McCracken will represent them, not the corporations. 

Please vote for Erin McCracken for the 171st District representative to Harrisburg. Vote for a representative who will represent the people of the district, not the special interests.

Ruth Black
Boalsburg