FABIUS, N.Y. -- Dale Sweetland began his campaign emerging from the home he built years ago in the place he was born in southern Onondaga County.
“I stand here proud to be blessed to live in a country that affords people of humble roots to participate in the process of governing,” said Sweetland.
The former town official and county lawmaker argues that what he calls "real people" want an end to partisan bickering and discussion of "real issues" like taxes, jobs, education, health care, the environment and the war in Iraq.
“We need honest leadership that will provide opportunity, create prosperity and build consensus for real solutions,” Sweetland said.
Sweetland is expected to have strong backing within his party. But he still faces a struggle. Several other Republicans will also seek the party nod including Syracuse common councilor Ryan McMahon and a Wayne County State Assemblyman, Bob Oaks.
Democrats seem to have settled on a candidate for Congress in the 25th District. The same candidate who was their standard bearer in 2006, Dan Maffei. Republicans have now begun the process of settling on their nominee. News 10 Now's Bill Carey says a former chairman of the Onondaga County Legislature has become the first to formally announce he's a candidate.
Sweetland said if he cannot win the endorsement from the Republican county committees, he will leave the race.
“I would not wage a primary. I will ask the people of the Republican Party for their nomination and hopefully they'll honor me with that,’ Sweetland said.
One of the first hurdles Sweetland will face, should he win the nomination will be money. The likely Democratic opponent, Dan Maffei, has already banked more than $500,000 for the 2008 race.
“We're behind in money and there isn't a candidate out there, in the Republican Party, who is not behind in money. We'll make up in hard work and we'll make up in sincerity and we'll make up in conversation and delivering a message to the voters,” said Sweetland.
The former chairman has changed since his days on the county legislature. Last weekend, on his birthday he shaved off the beard he had sported for more than 30 years.
“Actually I'm a little concerned because before I left the house yesterday morning, my wife said, could you take out the trash before you leave, Sam” said Sweetland.
Dale Sweetland must battle now for name and a bit of visual recognition in the days ahead.
Republican Party leaders had expected former State Fair director Peter Cappuccilli to be their candidate for congress this fall. The scramble for a nominee came after Cappuccilli abruptly pulled out of the race after suffering what doctors called a "mini-stroke."