By Nicole Houck, Contributing Writer

Not your typical pancake breakfast. Democrat Judy Schwank and Republican Larry Medaglia, candidates in the special election to replace the late State Senator Mike O’Pake, donned a different kind of red, white and blue this week in an effort to reach out to Reading’s sizable Latino population.

February 27, 2011 marked the 167th anniversary of Dominican Independence from Haiti. Over 100 Dominicans from the Reading, PA area gathered outside City Hall to commemorate this monumental day in Dominican history. Medaglia and Schwank both made made appearances to show their support and celebrate this occasion.

According to the 2000 census, 37.3% of the population in Reading consists of people who identify themselves as Latin American. And in a special election where a hundred votes could be the difference, every hand shake counts.

Photos documenting both candidates at the event were posted on Facebook. The Latin American community expressed their appreciation for the candidates presence at the event and observation of the Dominican culture via the social network.

“Congratulations Mr. Larry, the city of Reading is going to have a real Senator, with you most of the Latino community is ready to celebrate the victory….I know that you are not the man which classify people by group. I know that your are the man of dignity and believe that everybody deserved to be treated with dignity. Thank you Mr. Medaglia, for giving us the opportunity to choose you as our real Senator for the next two years,” reads a comment from Luis Tejada. “The city of Reading started to commemorate the Victory that you represent for more than 87% of the Latinos in this city. Thank you Mr. Medaglia for being our Senator. God Direct your wisdom for the entire Latino community.”

Medaglia has previously reached out to the Latin American community of Reading with this Spanish language campaign ad.

The Reading chapter of Latinos Unidos expressed its support for Judy Schwank on her