With the votes counted and election results released, Centre County's leaders are looking forward to another term.

Kerry Benninghoff and Scott Conklin won 2008 local elections by significant margins, but still find it a challenge to ensure they are consistently meeting the needs of Pennsylvanians.

Kerry Benninghoff

Kerry Benninghoff, the incumbent Republican State Representative in the 171st District, won against Democrat Joanne Tosti-Vasey.

Benninghoff, R-Centre, has held the two-year term position since 1997. But this year will be different, he said, with an almost $2 billion budget shortfall in the state budget that will severely impact legislators actions.

However, he said he will continue to fight for opportunities he thinks will be most necessary, including a $1,500 higher education tax credit for in-state students and a bill that would either freeze tuition at the freshman rate or keep it from doubling throughout a student's education.

"Direct funding to the institution does not guarantee a nickel of savings to the students because universities do what they want with it," Benninghoff said. "I want to give students and their family direct access to the money."

Scott Conklin

Scott Conklin, the incumbent Democratic State Representative in the 77th District, won against Republican Tom Martin.

Conklin, D-Centre, was first elected to the position in 2007.

Chief of Staff Tor Michaels said Conklin is especially interested in the possibility of early voting in Pennsylvania. Conklin believes it is time to consider it, he said, especially after the wait times experienced this past Election Day.

"Some people waited for hours," Michaels said. "We want to make sure that they do not get discouraged."

Michaels said Conklin was also looking at an alcohol bill that would give counties the option of assessing a fee for alcohol-related crimes and another bill that would create an online arsonist registry to help with police efforts.

Michaels said even though the arson and alcohol bill were the two student-related efforts Conklin wanted to get through, they were still committed to looking at all opportunities that would support Centre County.

Glenn "GT" Thompson

Thompson, the 5th District Congressman-elect, won against Democrat Mark McCracken and Libertarian Jim Fryman.

Former Centre County Republicans chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson, who is attending orientation this week in Washington, D.C., said he plans to assemble his staff and set up an office in Centre County as soon as possible.

On the issues, Thompson said he plans to focus on legislation that addresses health care and energy issues. In addition, he plans to review current and pending education legislation.

He said because of the retiring "baby boomer" generation, many positions that require higher education degrees will be available. He plans to make sure higher education opportunities are available to students and plans to bring in more support for community colleges and technical trade schools.

Thompson said Penn State students can look forward to having a Penn State alum representing them in Congress.

"I am a proud Penn State alumni," Thompson said, "and I am happy to represent the school at a national level."