Avalanche of Democratic criticism falls on Sweeney for ski trip

[Judi Lynn]

Avalanche of Democratic criticism falls on Sweeney for ski trip
By DEVLIN BARRETT
Associated Press Writer

January 18, 2006, 6:03 PM EST


WASHINGTON -- Democratic attacks on Republican congressman John Sweeney snowballed Wednesday over a fundraising ski trip he hosted last weekend in Utah with at least one prominent Washington lobbyist.

Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, was criticized Tuesday by his would-be Democratic opponent, Kirsten Gillibrand, for consorting with lobbyists at a time when, her camp argues, lawmakers should be more open about such dealings.

Democratic county officials jumped into the argument Wednesday, arguing that if Sweeney wants to host $2,000 a person fundraisers on the slopes, he should do it at a ski resort in his own district.

"Your decision to spend a weekend frolicking in Utah with lobbyists instead of here on the slopes in New York sends a terrible message and does nothing to encourage the all important tourist industry here," five Democratic county chairs and the head of the state party wrote to the congressman.

One group, Citizen Action of New York, offered a facetious letter asking if they, too, could ski with the congressman on behalf of all the "struggling families" in his district who can't afford to hit the slopes.
(snip/...)

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--sweeneyfundraiser0118jan18,0,4813086.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork



Sweeney



Sweeney?

[Binka]

1. What A Fat Ugly Douche. He Looks Like DocTour Phil

FUCKWITTAGE!

[Cooley Hurd]

2. He probably didn't DARE host the ski party in his district for fear...

...his son would show up and beat someone senseless:

The son of Rep. John Sweeney has pleaded guilty to an assault charge stemming from a brawl that sent a teenager to the hospital. John Sweeney of Schaghticoke and John Manupella of Troy, both 19, pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree assault charges in Saratoga County.

They were arrested following an August 2004 brawl involving a group of young men in the town of Stillwater. The teen they beat up was taken to a hospital's intensive care unit with severe head injuries.

Oh, did I mention he played a prominent role in the Brooks Brothers Riot?

<snip>
The halt of the Miami-Dade County hand count, where 10,750 ballots remain uncounted -- more than enough to flip the outcome of the Florida election or further buttress George W. Bush's lead in the state -- dealt a devastating blow to Al Gore's presidential campaign. The vice president's attorneys are arguing that intimidation influenced the canvassing board's decision to stop the hand recount and that it should be resumed.

The incident -- the ugliest single set piece of the Election 2000 epic and possibly the most decisive one -- was set in motion by one imported GOP operative: Rep. John Sweeney, R-N.Y., who from an office in that same county building has led the Miami fight against the recount.
</snip>

:grr:

He's my congressman and I want him OUT!:thumbsdown:

[Cooley Hurd]

3. Kick (Sweeney's ass OUT)!

:kick:

[Divernan]

4. "soul-searching" on the slopes w/ Big Pharma lobbyist.

I'm sure they were all hig-fiving each other about the mega ripoff of America's seniors by Big Pharma via Booosh's Medicare prescription boondoggle. This was the NINTH such Lake Placid outing this corrupt New York congressman has hosted.

[f-bush]

5. As well it should!

[Robb]

6. Snow's better in Utah

Sorry, somebody had to say it. :evilgrin:

[gratuitous]

7. This is very good

Hold these corrupt bastards to account. I don't care what bogus countercharges they concoct, I don't care how much they squeal like stuck little piggies; make sure their constituents get a good look at the entirety of their record. Off to Utah on a skiing junket, eh? And this isn't some ancient history, this was last weekend. Good rapid response by NY Democrats!

[Cooley Hurd]

8. Especially this turd!

There's gaming in our district (Saratoga casino & racetrack) - I wonder how much $$$ Sweeney got from Abramoff? Googling now...

[Straight Shooter]

9. Whoa! The doctor squeezed the forceps a bit too hard when he was born.

Looks like Sweeney's head never did quite recuperate. :7

[Rhiannon12866]

10. Thanks for this expose. I'll have to see if this made the local papers.

A powerful condemnation of the guy who's reputed to have this job for life, if he wants it. That's how he's regarded in the local media, a real hometown hero. BTW, didn't he lose the mustache?:shrug:

[yellowcanine]

11. The Repukes are attacking Gillibrand because her father is a lobbyist?

How noble of them. :sarcasm:



The flurry of criticism continued Wednesday with the chair of the Saratoga GOP pointing out Gillibrand is the daughter of Albany lobbyist Douglas Rutnik.

"She's a New York City lawyer who's only lived in our county part-time for a year and a half," said Jasper Nolan.

Added Sweeney's spokeswoman, "She was born into the lobbying business."