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Sweeney opponent announces congressional run

(DOWNLOAD FULL VERSION OF ANNOUNCEMENT SPEECH - PDF)

Kirsten Gillibrand makes it official at press conference

By MAURY THOMPSON

Updated: 1/31/2006 9:23:26 PM

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- U.S. Rep. John Sweeney has "short-changed" veterans, college students, factory workers and the elderly as he voted with fellow Republicans in the interest of corporate lobbyists, his potential Democratic opponent charged Tuesday.

"Our system of government -- our democracy -- is built on a foundation of trust. Today, that foundation is cracked," Kirsten Gillibrand said as she formally announced her campaign at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs.

"I am running this campaign to not only earn your trust, but to help repair that foundation," she said.

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Gillibrand, a lawyer from Hudson, said she would not support foreign trade agreements unless they contained requirements that foreign companies meet labor, environmental and health standards.

She criticized Sweeney for voting in favor of an energy bill that did not contain measures to reduce gas and oil prices, voting in favor of a reduction in funding for college student loans and voting against increased funding for veterans' health care and debt assistance for National Guard members and reservists.

"Sadly, our current congressman has short-changed these very men and women who risk their lives to protect American values -- our veterans," she said.

Contacted by The Post-Star, Sweeney would not respond directly, but a spokeswoman issued a prepared statement that he is proud of his achievements and looks forward to a spirited campaign.

Saratoga County Republican Chairman John "Jasper" Nolan said Sweeney has been committed to issues such as defense and homeland security, and has used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to benefit the region.

"John (Sweeney) has brought home the bacon. He's committed to the hospitals in the region," said Nolan, who was among about three dozen Sweeney supporters who staged a demonstration outside the Canfield Casino as people arrived for Gillibrand's announcement.

State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, a Democratic candidate for governor, introduced Gillibrand.

"I've worked with Kirsten as a lawyer. I've seen her as an advocate," he said. "I know she's tough, I know she's smart. I know she builds a record."

Sweeney, a four-term incumbent, represents a congressional district stretching from Lake Placid south to Dutchess and Delaware counties, including all of Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties.

Remarking about the vast size of the district, Spitzer joked that the weather may yet turn cold enough for Gillibrand to campaign on snowshoes and cross-country skis throughout the 10-county area.

"Because she's allowed to go skiing," he said.

After being interrupted by a thunderous applause, Spitzer added, "And I promise she won't be skiing on what we call 'the payday to easy money.' "

Earlier this month, Gillibrand criticized Sweeney for holding a fundraiser with lobbyists at a Utah ski resort.

In her speech Tuesday, Gillibrand called for establishing an independent bipartisan commission to investigate allegations of ethics violations in Congress, and to devote more attention to developing alternative energy.

She said the U.S. government should pledge to have no permanent military bases in Iraq and should withdraw its troops as soon as possible.

She said she would hold monthly public forums around the district, the first of which will be at noon Feb. 11 in Saratoga Springs, at a location to be announced.

If elected, she will continue the monthly public forums on a routine basis, she said.