John Sweeney became the Republican member of Congress for New York’s 22nd District (Clifton Park) in January 1999. Now in his second term, he has proved on many occasions that he is prepared to fight for what he believes to be right — even if this means going against his Republican colleagues on a particular issue.
In a statement on October 7, Sweeney came out strongly in support of President Bush and the U.S. military strikes in Afghanistan. “With the resolve of a nation and the united support of our allies around the world behind him, President Bush is to be commended for his decisiveness in striking back at the terrorists responsible for the murderous attacks on our nation.” Yet, also in October, Sweeney urged the Bush administration to release money that New York needed in federal aid after the September 11 attacks. In November, Sweeney sided against the Republicans and with the Democrats on a proposed bill to add billions to President Bush’s planned expenditure on national security and aid to New York. Even Democratic opponents respect Sweeney’s tenacity in pursuing what he believes to be right — he has been described by Hillary Clinton as “New York’s gladiator.” ♦
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