2006

2006-05-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

After researching online to find the latest information on David McSweeny, nothing has been posted in the newspapers. His financial records have been addressed her and there but nothing about issues has surfaced. Therefore, I headed towards his website. McSweeney has issued a press release date May 4, 2006. This was about actual issues, not his financial standings in his race against Melissa Bean.

He is positioning a statement on the rise of gasoline prices. Last summer he had issued a paper that tool on the issues of gasoline prices. Stating the high price of gasoline has a ripple effect, noting a new refinery has not been built in our country in over 30 years. He also states, Melissa Bean had the opportunity to vote on legislation that would help the streamline the process for building new refineries. He tells his voters, she voted with the Democrats against the bill, HR-5254. If elected he proposes an attack on rising gasoline prices. McSweeney goes into further detail about his whole plan.

Overall, I think he has made a good decision on addressing these issues. This is what voters want to hear. A real life everyday issue. I think this approach will work well for him. The issues surrounding gasoline prices is a big issue. I think this issue alone will get many voters attention. Republicans and Democrats. I believe certain issues effect certain people in different ways. One issue you may think is very important may not be of any importance to me. However, this issue effects everyone, gasoline is used by all and this issue is not just going to go away. People want to know how will they save money and who is going to fight for this. Who knows this issue may be a voters decision on who they will vote for in November.

2006-04-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

This article is from the Chicago Suntimes dated April 15, 2006

Nothing has really been in the papers about this candidate lately, well except for his financial records. In all the latest articles he has just been referenced about how much money he has spent.
His next election against Melissa Bean is stated to be one of the most expensive in the United States. David's rival is beginning the campaign with $1.6 million more than him. Seriously, $1.6 million dollars, I can't even imagine, and there is still more to raise! The Suntimes states, "This is one of a handful in the nation that could determine which party controls Congress." I really think it is pitiful how much money is spent on campaigns. Their money could go to better use on things that really matter. It could go to schools, non-profit organizations, special education services, autism awareness, the possibilities are endless. I understand the candidate elected is supposed to work on and vote for these above issues, but they can do it without spending a fortune.
So basically the paper is saying, whoever is willing to put more money into the campaign will win. It's sad that the amount of money spent throughout the race, determines who wins. I thought politics was supposed to be about who is best fitted for the job, elected by the people, not who can have enough to win.
So far, within the first quarter, McSweeney has raised over $619,000 towards his campaign in November. Who knows how much more he will raise. I'm sorry , but I just don't agree with all the money spent on trying to get elected.

2006-04-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

The "Suntimes" headline reads, "Gop's McSweeney takes 8th as Salvi concedes."dated March 22, 2006

After dumping almost 2 million of his own personal furtune and quiting his job as an investment banker, David McSweeney wins the 8th congressional district primary. McSweeney had over 43% percent of the vote on election day. The other front runner, Salvi, whom many considered the favorite in the race, held 33% of the vote. McSweeney stated to 200 cheering supportors, "This is a wake up call to the establishment in Washington D.C." McSweeney will face Melissa Bean in the November election, he concludes it will be a difficult one.

Just as I suspected, the majority of McSweeney's opponents are now standing behind him. Words directly from Salvi, "I am know 100% behind McSweeney." That's funny, a few weeks ago they hated each other and they were both trying to ruin each others campaigns. Although some of his opponents from the primary, Churchill for example, still calls McSweeny and Salvi "bored millionaires!"

I chose this article to prove my point from a previos blog. I said during the election all candidates were out to get each other and when the primary is over many opinions amongst the defeated will change. Many have, take Salvi's quote for example, "I am know 100% behind McSweeney." Many of the candidates who ran in the primary are now one big happy family, all supporting the winner. Now their going to march into the November election as a team, showing unity. They will know all bite their tongues so their party can get their seat in Washington.

2006-03-16T18:16:00.002-08:00

The headline reads "Dogfight erupts leading contenders in 8th District"
Found on Suburban Chicagonews.com dated 3/11/06 Ralph Zahorik comments on the upcoming 8th District GOP primary.

The fighting between candidates continues as the primary draws near. This episode is between David McSweeney and his opponent Kathy Salvi. This all began about a month ago when Mc Sweeney appeared on Kathy Salvi's husband's radio talk show in Waukegan. Al Salvi, a former state legislator, basically said McSweeney was pro choice in 1989. McSweeney denies the claim and states he has always been anti-abortion. Later, after the show, Al Salvi called McSweeney "weasely " and later stated on the radio, "he made an a.. of himself" and said the candidate was "a nut or desperate"

As of late, McSweeney fired back telling the voters if they vote for Kathy they will also be voting for Al, her husband. McSweeney also sent out fliers to voters about how his position on tort reforms was different that Kathy Salvi's. She later sent out a fliers ripping McSweeney for violating the "11th Commandment" forbidding republicans to attack each other in primary campaigns.

Al Salvi said McSweeney started the brawl while Kathy's campaign was surging while his own was "in meltdown" All other candidates have stayed away from this mess.

I think this is all typical behavior in any election. What did McSweeney seriously think was going to happen when he went on his opponents husband's radio show. Of course he was going to get hounded. Maybe he thought any publicity is good whether it be good or bad publicity.

This is why I don't like politics, it's constant bickering. I grew up in it, I have seen all the bashing between opponents, this one accusing this one of that. Now two candidates who have spent the most money (out of all six) look like 2 immature adults. This fiasco could both cost them the race. I originally liked McSweeney, but this just makes him look childish. I know if this race was in my district I would opt to vote for one of the four who stayed away from this publicity. The other candidates look better than these two bickering fools. The others are focusing on their campaign, minding their own business, not trying to instigate arguments.

2006-03-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

The headline reads "Dogfight erupts leading contenders in 8th District"
Found on Suburban Chicagonews.com dated 3/11/06 Ralph Zahorik comments on the upcoming 8th District GOP primary.

The fighting between candidates continues as the primary draws near. This episode is between David McSweeny and his opponent Kathy Salvi. This all began about a month ago When Mc Sweeney appeared on Kathy Salvi's husband's radio talk show in Waukegan. Al Salvi, a former state legislator, basically said McSweeney was pro choice in 1989. McSweeney denies the claim and states he has always been anti-abortion. Later, after the show, Al Salvi called McSweeney "weasely " and later stated on the radio, "he made an a.. of himself" and said the candidate was "a nut or desperate"

As of late, McSweeney fired back telling the voters if they vote for Kathy they will also be voting for Al, her husband. McSweeney also sent out fliers to voters about how his position on tort reforms was different that Kathy Salvi's. She later sent out a fliers ripping McSweeney for violating the "11th Commandment" forbidding republicans to attack each other in primary campaigns.

Al Salvi said McSweeney started the brawl while Kathy's campaign was surging while his own was "in meltdown" All other candidates have stayed away from this mess.

I think this is all typical behavior in any election. What did McSweeney seriously think was going to happen when he went on his opponents husband's radio show. Of course he was going to get hounded. Maybe he thought any publicity is good whether it be good or bad publicity.

This is why I don't like politics, it's constant bickering. I grew up in it, I have seen all the bashing between opponents, this one accusing this one of that. Now two candidates who have spent the most money (out of all six) look like 2 immature adults. This fiasco could both cost them the race. I originally liked McSweeney, but this just makes him look childish. I know if this race was in my district I would opt to vote for one othe four who stayed away from this publicity. The other candidates look better than these two bickering fools. The others are focusing on their campaign, minding their own business, not trying to instigate arguments.

2006-03-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

This article is located on Pioneerlocal.com and is covered by the local Barrington News. The article is "Backgrounds differentiate 8th District GOP Candidates."

As of Last Spring, David McSweeney left his job to focus on the upcoming campaign. David says he could retire now , at age 40, but wants to serve the public through election to congress. He wants to use his business background and experience to fight for the principles of lowering taxes, less spending and on national defense. He is a supporter of private social security accounts and would like to see the government"lock box" it's social security surplus and invest those funds in U.S. government securities. David McSweeney goes on about how he could lower taxes and health care costs.

I think David McSweeney has a very good chance at willing this election by his given statements. Although, all the candidates talk about how they can lower this and lower that. I think that's basically what the voters want to hear. The question is who do they think is the best candidate to do that. Voters need to remember, one person alone can not make these changes, it has to be voted on. Because of his background, he has the idea of how it can be done. But the person will win who runs the best campaign, not the most highly qualified.

Overall, I think this race is going to have small margins, it will be very close. Many of the candidates agree on all the same matters. It will be interesting to see who wins. There are only a few short weeks left until the election.

I went on McSweeney's website and of course there were press releases of others bashing him, calling him names. Everyone trying to make everyone else look bad except for themselves. Typical politics. He had it up there to show others what people are doing to him, to make the others look bad. It's a constant circle. And of course, this always happens, one candidate will win and all the politicians who lost will back him or her when their running against Melissa Bean. They will all show that the party is "united", just so the republican party can win the seat in the house. For the record I believe this happens on both ends, democrats do it too.

2006-02-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

This article is written by J.T Morand and is located in the Gurnee Review and can be found on Pioneerlocal.com

The Article Reads, "Students grill 8th Congress hopefuls."

Basically this is a synopsis of a debate sponsored by Stevenson's Political Action Club. It is a compare and contrast of the candidates views on certain issues. All candidates addressed issues that affect the youth. All agreed on most issues such as President Bush's use of wire taps, and urged all automakers to produce more hybrid vehicles, since they all agreed America is addicted to oil.

As for McSweeney himself, his main focus was vowing to only serve three terms if elected. McSweeney stated, :" By no means should we have a system where we have people who are serving forever on Congress."

I do have to say I agree with McSweeney. I do think congress should have change. I believe many elected candidates tend to get lazy as time goes on. I believe change is good. I think a politician is at his or her best when newly elected. They are full of ideas, eager to make changes and seem to be the most flexible with change. I think this goes for anywhere in the work place. Look at a newly hired individual and a long term employee, which one is probably more open to new ideas? I think it is the newly hired. Sometimes people just get used to the continuous day in and day out job duties. I think a new face in the office would be a little more eager to take chances than the long time employee.
So back to McSweeney, I stand behind him in his effort to take office only up to 3 terms if elected. Congress is constantly changing and we need people who will be flexible with change. In congress you vote on what you believe will benefit your voters and your state. At some point in time, you have to compromise with the other party to move forward. How will you be able to compromise if you are stubborn and inflexible. If you haven't made a huge change within your last term, I believe its time to go and give another individual the chance to make positive changes for your state.

2006-02-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

David McSweeney

feb 3

2006-02-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

My next article came from the Chicago Tribune dated February 1, 2006. For a brief overview, the article was related to an opponent running in David McSweeney's campaign. Widely perceived as one of the top candidates in the race against Melissa Bean, Theresa Bartels withdrew from the race. According to the Tribune, "Bartels cited an unwillingness to compete Financially against a field that includes two millionaires." One of these millionaire's is David McSweeney who is an investment banker. It is stated he has lent his campaign $1 million dollars. As republicans try to regain the seat held by Melissa Bean it is reported this may be one of the most expensive elections in November.

I can't get over how much money politicians spend on their campaigns. It is quite sickening if you think about it. McSweeney has not only raised money for the election but he is also dumping his own money into it. Unfortunately, I believe if you have enough money you can win on money alone. If you have money you are able to pay for numerous TV ads, mailings, signs, etc. The more you see the name the more you may think, this is a great candidate. When you go to the polls many just vote for the familiar recognizable name. If you are a true voter it is your job to research all candidates. A voter should look into all the candidates backgrounds. If the candidate is seeking re-election find out what they have voted on in the past, look at their track record. In addition, you also have to look at the candidates agendas if elected. Ask yourself, "What is this candidate going to focus on?" "Does this candidate agree with my beliefs?" "Is this candidate going to address issues I think are important?'' A voter needs to be aware of what the candidate he or she is going to do. Because a voter sees a name plastered all over a district or state it does not mean they are the best. A candidate may have the money but it should not entitle a seat.
I truly believe many voters are ignorant. I think some people vote just so they can say they voted, regardless of being well informed. It is the voters responsibility to do their jobs and become well informed. A decision should not be based on the familiar name located on the top of the ballot while your standing in the booth when voting. Through the use of money, name recognition for a candidate can be it's best friend. I do believe many close races are won by money.

2006-01-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

I have decided to do my research on David McSweeney. He is a candidate for the 8th Congressional District.

The article posted by the Chicago Tribune(www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/nearnorthwest/chi
is titled, "GOP slate jockeys for chance to unseat Bean."

This article interviews 4 GOP candidates who argued which of them would present the strongest challenge to the Democrat Representative, Melissa Bean.

David McSweeney, an investment banker, stated his private sector background put him in the best position to promote spending reform in Congress. McSweeney believes his business experience will distinguish him and make him the best candidate possible to run against Bean.

When compared to the other 4 candidates he focuses on his business like demeanor. One candidate focuses on his prior experience in the Illinois General Assembly which he believes he is best qualified to "hit the ground running" in Washington. Another says, "her conservative views on fiscal and social issues are in sync with the district's GOP voters." While another says because she is a political outsider makes her appealing.

All of the candidates have different views on why they believe they are the best to defeat Melissa Bean. Although, they all do agree, regardless who wins the GOP seat, Melissa Bean is "vulnerable" in November.

As for David Sweeney, this one article does not give much information on his intentions beyond his business like attitude. I don't believe a reader would be able to make a clear and concise decision on whether if he is the best candidate to defeat Melissa Bean

2006-01-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

Did I do this Right?