Eric Sundwall

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2006

The Sundwall for Congress campaign is calling for media and candidates to cover issues.

The recent announcements of two candidates for the Democratic nomination indicate that it is more than a simple two horse race. The April 15th FEC deadline for the quarter ending March 31, 2006, will not be sufficient to tell where the campaigns actually stand in terms of contributions. If all the campaigns have to wait for the next deadline in July, media coverage might be considered biased when not including comments or references to other party candidates.

If one campaign spends all its time obessing about the incumbant. What happens if he is forced out due to health reasons ?

Would that require stances on issues ? What responsibility does the press have to cover other candidates ? What will the partisan bickering in the Capital Confidential come to ?

Always more questions than answers.

Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriot Fund is currently running a contest to donate $5K to the highest vote getter in their contest.

The form on the site let's you fill out the candidate yourself.

Let them know that Eric Sundwall supports immediate troop withdrawal, congressional oversight and investigation into the buildup for 'war' (HR635). He also supports reproductive rights and any person's marriage.

The other candidate from Columbia County listed comes up a little short.

Lumi Michelle Rolley wrote:

> Hi there.
>
> Some one sent me your Eminent Domain Rally press release to post on NoLandGrab.org. I was surprised that you guys are inviting William Weld to the rally after he has publicly supported eminent domain for Bruce Ratner's colossal land grab, as well as to build affordable housing (see NY Sun, "Weld Backs Use Of Eminent Domain For Atlantic Yard" http://daily.nysun.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:ArticleToMail&Type=text/html&Path=NYS/2006/03/24&ID=Ar00203).
>
> I ask you if these positions square with the Libertarian party principles. These positions don't even make Weld a good Conservative.
>
> I've already pointed out on our web site the hypocrisy and indiscretion of inviting Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn and William Weld to the same rally.
>
> Sorry to take a poke at you guys. However, we are fighting to keep Bruce Ratner from forcibly taking people's homes in the heart of Brooklyn to build the most expensive arena ever and 16 high-rise towers in the middle of two low-rise brownstone neighborhoods with the taxpayers on the hook for $1.5+ BILLION.
>
> Please rethink your invitation to Weld. Also, please feel free to get back to me if you want to clarify the position of rally organizers or make any changes to the release.
>
> - lumi
>
>
>

The Doug Walters story in the Kingston Freeman reminded us to send a press release to them.

They picked us up today.

Empire Information Services posted the Eminent Domain Rally release.

Independent business man Eric Sundwall of Columbia County, seeking the New York Libertarian Party endorsement to pursue NY's 20th Congressional District, calls for debates among the declared candidates.

Eric,

We cannot accurately state that spending money for the war in Iraq is hurting our economy. Although the actual dollar amount of our current deficit is a record number; our income has gone up so much that the actual percentage of our GDP has dropped.

In the 80’s the deficit was 6.0% of our GDP.

In the 90’s the deficit was 4.7% of our GDP.

In 2006 it is ……………. 3.6 % of the GDP.

The United States is in a 12 trillion dollar economy, unemployment rate has dropped to 4.9%. Don’t you think it is rather mismanagement of funds that is the real problem and not that our money is wasted on defense spending? I am not, with this question, concerned with the moral question of whether or not we should be at war but rather questioning the legitimacy of blaming defense spending for future economic difficulty.

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html#Econ

Shari Wible, Anaheim CA

The GreenPapers are no longer listing Ed Pell as the 'Greens' candidate in CD-20 NY.

As a small business person the last 12 years most of my transactions exchange a service or product for financial satisfaction. As a candidate it is a little disconcerting to have to ask for money with little anticipation for electoral success. Unlike lawyers whose license to steal is sanctioned by the authority of the state, real people value their free market associations and their ability to withdraw from sketchy or questionable circumstances. Recognizing this personal and now very public conundrum, here's my pitch.

Dear Colin,

Thank you for acknowledging the candidacy of Ed Pell. His candidacy, like mine, his was a reaction to the weak war position of the Gillibrand campaign. Likewise Mr. Doug Walters is also expected to join. Give Mr. Pell a chance for his web site and let me know if you think a real time blog for all to comment in or on, is a good thing. It's good to see Mr. Guller's position on the war to see the light of day, despite what you think of his campaign and its chances. Both Mr. Guller and Ed have contacted me and indicated a willingness to debate the issues. Hopefully while the two 'leading' candidates ( there is yet to be an official poll and any one that leaves out declared candidates will be misleading) slug it it out, the low dollar campaigns will be in full democratic dialogue and discourse.

My brother has a saying he picked up somewhere; Fair is what you pay on the bus. He's a former Navy nuke that currently works with PPM installing wind turbines all over the world. Energy independence seems like a misnomer. Separating our society from the rest of the world is a silly notion. Increasing our efficiency and reducing our waste is better done by all as enlightened and voluntary behavior. Unfortunately common sense is often blocked by those would cry that's not fair !

Congress will vote to increase the debt ceiling. This problem has been created by a lack of fiscal discipline by Republicans and Democrats. Continuing to support either party will only add to the problem. Consider change. Vote third party.

This is a calculated response to any press conference given by any candidate today.

Occasionally someone asks what would a Libertarian Congressman do. The best answer is Ron Paul.

For a glimpse into the actual mindset, check this out.

The Roundtable program read this letter this morning on their show at approx. 9:15

Dear Alan,

As a candidate for NY's 20th Congressional district and a Libertarian, I would support
gays in the military.

Please acknowledge the possibility of a party or candidate beyond Democrats that would be
in favor of fairness and openness.

Sincerely,

Eric Sundwall
www.sundwall4congress.org

DailyKOs has a diary(?) about Congress not declaring war. Of course Ron Paul R-TX (the only libertarian in Congress) was the only one calling for that declaration. Perhaps that's why our vote was the first one on that poll. Please visit it and record your sympathies.

John's recent post and link to the DailyKOS effort for Gillibrand illuminates something very important. The best and brightest are naturally attracted to candidates and parties which have all the money. The nascent candidacies of myself, Mr. Pell and Mr. Walters suggest a disatisfaction with the idea that a NYC lawyer can move into town and suddenly represent our interests.

The Kos Krew would suggest that one go into the econimically depressed North country and preach a message of economic populism, as if job training and Bush bashing will repair the deleterious effects of government policy that taxes, taxes and taxes. For every program that a candidate offers, remember that an element of bureaucracy is created that may never go away. Worker compensation rates and payouts in NY are some of the Nation's highest. Promising free heating oil is a handout. Promising reduced healthcare costs is another. It costs somebody somewhere. As a small business person healthcare costs were relevant to my operation, but a vibrant and healthy economy was vital. Some of us here in the back woods actually cut our own fire wood and burn it all winter. Some of us actually exercise and eat well in order to prevent health problems. Most of us choose to live our lives here for one reason or another. We are not seeking the enlightened positions of urban elites come to save us. We have the Internet and cable/satellite TV too. We can think for ourselves and analyze the world around us.

There's not much difference between an insider like Gillibrand and Sweeney. They both go to the Fort Orange Klub. They are both lawyers. They will both cost you money as a taxpayer. Voters ought to consider outside alternatives and not just the moneyed interests. As the two 'front-runners' bicker about who took what for whom, and who will give what to whom, the outsiders will continue to struggle with messages of no war, balanced budgets and participation. Don't believe the hype.

From the Associated Press:

Scan solves Rep. Sweeney's health riddle

March 13, 2006, 5:20 PM EST

WASHINGTON -- "Doctors have determined that inflamed blood vessels in the brain of Rep. John Sweeney caused spikes in blood pressure and intense headaches that have put him in a hospital several times in recent weeks.

Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, underwent a brain angiogram Monday to try to find the root of the problem that began last month after a press conference at the Port of Albany.

Doctors now believe the problem is vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels in the brain. "
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Well, well, well we can all rest a little easier now that we know that Congressman Sweeney's condition was diagnosed by a brain angiogram. A cerebral angiogram (or arteriogram) is a diagnostic test that produces an image of the arteries in the brain and/or head. It can help physicians diagnose a number of problems with the blood vessels in the head and neck, including ruptured vessels or blockage in the artery, usually by fatty plaque. If a vessel is blocked, the patient may be at increased risk of stroke. Other conditions (such as a cerebral aneurysm) may also be revealed.

Is our good congressman really at an increased risk for a stroke?

I remember seeing him in Florida during the Bush/Gore election fracas. He looked wildly angry and, to this observer, more than a little confused.

The test he had done is often done for TIAs or Transient Ischemic Attacks. I watched my father suffer from these during the last years of his life. TIA sufferers are often smokers. The most important treatable factors linked to TIAs and stroke are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, heart disease, carotid artery disease, diabetes, and heavy use of alcohol. At last report, Mr. Sweeney was still a smoker. He and I have never shared a glass of Scotch.

Mr. Sweeney should release his complete medical record to the media for independent scrutiny. After all, it was American tax dollars that may have saved his life through this test (let's hope he sees it as a wake up call and at least gives up the smoke...again, I watched my father continue to smoke, confused till the very end).

If he does not want to release his medical records (and why wouldn't he??) then I suggest the congressman reimburse the American people the price of his plush medial plan. Maybe a fired up Kirsten Gillibrand should have burst into his hospital room yelling, "Shut it down!" during his taxpayer funded brain scan.

Watch for one campaign to come out against the incumbant for being investigated by the Justice Dept. Meanwhile newcomer Ed Pell offers a debate to willing candidates. We know Morris is in. Are you Mr. Walters ?

This Dem has made some of the 20th's blogger's happy.

Veteran political reporter for Glens Falls Post Star, Maury Thompson,revealed some complications in the Democratic party's 20th Congressional district plan. Seems like some folks are a little torqued about the tepid war stance that insider favorite, Gillibrand is touting. Edwin Pell and Douglas Walters of Dutchess County are both testing the nomination waters. Frumpy bloggers for the Spitzies are not alarmed. Of course this opens up a whole new course of possibilities for this campaign. If Morris Guller is not the sole voice of war opposition amongst the Dems, will the annointed prevail by just assailing the ailing incumbant ? As the only anti-war, fiscal conservative in the race, taking the side of Liberty will ring loud and clear. Of course the two party criticism will remain valid. Participation will suddenly look like more than a 'listening tour'.

Operatives for another Columbia County candidate can be found here . . . Hope they can keep up.

In the spirit and great tradition of open democratic debate wouldn't it be nice if Mr. Guller was mentioned in news about the 20th district ? After all, shouldn't a man who received over a thousand votes in the last election be entitled to equal say in any mention about the race ? Or do only two horses get to cross the line on that special race day ? I know Morris will accept an invitation to debate, will anybody else ?
For the record, would an independent ethics council be bi-partisan, non-partisan or partisan friendly ? The people have the ultimate oversight on their elected officials. A free press should have ample tools to investigate any level of government. Much like the 'debates', we're sure that 'council' will be a closed bill too.
Advocating a toothless tiger take over the jungle and not giving your buddies a job after all that work, seems contrived. Why not vow to investigate the evidence before the war ? Why not investigate why US Citizens are held without charges ? Why not investigate why illegal wiretaps are being foisted on the American people ? Why not support HR 635 ?
Thanks for the Post Star tip, Morris. We owed you on this one.

If you came home from Saturday night poker and with a pocketful of IOU's your spouse might be happier if you brought home cash. Your lawyer will laugh if you seek contractual satisfaction. Promising not to spend more then you tax should be the first start of any campaign. Actually reducing budgets and spending cannot be shifted to the next four generations. Competing to see who will bring home more bacon should not be the highlight of a vibrant democracy.

Eric Sundwall will be at Four Brothers Pizza in Valatie, NY sharing his vision of a brighter more responsible future for America with his fellow citizens.

His enthusiasm has reached a boiling point. He is fortunate to have the combination of laser focus on issues and the "mad as hell" anger to propel his candidacy.

Taking the time to get involved at the local level is as fulfilling as it is rewarding. Remember, all politics is local!

Interviewed with Maury Thompson of the Glens Falls Post Star and Bryan Yurcan of the Register Star. Maury assures us that their story will come out tommorrow. Not sure about Register, but we'll see.

The MSM is here. Wondering if the big guns are coming to the "Open Party" too.

Thanks for being the first MSM outlet to take an interest in the campaign. The Poughkeepsie Journal is a long time favorite of ours. Ira Fusfeld is going to be mighty ticked if you scoop him on this story.

Alan Chartock, while not a direct competitor or yours, may also be preparing to scoop you.

As media coordinator for the campaign I'd love to set up a time to meet you on your turf.

Call at 518-754-1023!!

Eric & I have been kicking around the idea of making a difference a la 18th Century liberalism (meaning representative democracy & constitutional republic) since our days in Poli Sci class in the late 80's.

Well, he finally got up the guts to do it. I'm behnd him 100%. My support is primarily in terms of special projects & productions and as a moral compass & spiritual ballast.

I'm going to keep an eye on the blog; editing & adding as necessary.

We do need a cadre of volunteers to carry the water to where it's needed. Let's face it the 20th district is a gerrymandered pretzel. It could only have been formed by political decision. Like the platypus, it looks like it was designed by committee.

NOTE: If you do volunteer, we can only promise you enlightenment and a cup of hot coffee and maybe, just maybe, the feeling that you are part of the process. At the end of the day, were you a player or a spectator? That's all we can ever ask ourselves...You can expect that we will expect a lot from you. If you're up to a challenge and aren't afraid to put in a decent work day, we'd love to hear from you.

To cover this territory we are looking for folks to make calls, raise money, go to meetings, send us news items, send us dirt on Sweeney and generally keep an eye out for un-constitutional activities.

Please call us at 518-754-1023 with any questions or comments or to volunteer!! Also, please feel free to blog, blog blog...

Write me with any questions at john@sundwall4congress.org

Remember...EMILY...Early Money Is Like Yeast for rising & raising campaigns.

According to Stephen F. Hayes, there is evidence of Saddam’s association with terrorism in the 2 million documents captured in Iraq. Would you be willing to call for an investigation of these documents as a way of clarifying our present administrations justification of the war in Iraq? If not, why not?

The U.S. government's secret memo detailing cooperation between Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden.
by Stephen F. Hayes
11/24/2003, Volume 009, Issue 11
From Sharon W - Garden Grove CA

Are we then assuming that the administration who presumably has control of these documents doesn't want to clarify the issue themselves ? If so, yes bring everything out and let us open it up to the world. If not, yes let's look at it all and let the historians decide who was right.

Even after cataloging and making these documents google-able. The question about WMD's is still relevent. If ties to terrorism were the criteria for invasion and occupation, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan would be first on the list. Most likely, Germany, Spain and Great Britain too.

They gave us images of mushroom clouds, N. Korea may have the capability to launch nuclear weapons to California. If its a matter of freeing the world for democracy or protecting the actual soil of the country, which would you prioritize as first ?

The neo-con rationalization was that because terrorism suddenly hit our doorstep, any measure to protect the country from the possibility of another attack, would supercede the idea of personal liberty. It even went further when it made the case that pre-emptive military invasions and occupations would be necessary to prevent another attack. Once the threat proved not credible it was a done deal. Now we have to stay and make things right.

Personally I see this as a problem of the Democrats and Republicans. Libertarians, by and large ( there were dissenters) do not feel responsible for the action of the stronger political factions. The national party outlined an exit strategy a while ago. This Hayes guy, a Weekly Standard fellow, right ?

This one goes out to my favorite aunt.

We'll take any HR Sampler with the campaign announcement. As part of our effort to introduce frugality into the government, we'll re-cycle any March issue for future low-cost campaign use. Like a business we have to get value for our dollar. Please send yours to PO box 503, Niverville, NY 12130. We can distribute them in districts not covered by the Sampler. If you want to drop it off, give us a call at 518-754-1023.

Don't forget to check out the possible Libertarian candidate for Senate in 2006. Jeff Russell
is a long time member of the LPNY. His website is www.russellforsenate.org

Good luck Jeff!

I agree with most of the issues that you have put forth here. The
question that I have for you is, Lets say that you manage to capture a %
of the votes in this election but with no real hope of winning. One of
the major parties come to you and asks if you would step down and
endorse them, in return they would take up your stance on some of the
issues. These issues are important to you and the voters that are
supporting you. As a third party candidate this is not a far fetched
scenario. My question to you is what do you do? Endorse a candidate
that may take on some of the issues or risk that these issues become
marginalized and press on with your candidacy? What is the benefit to
the Party for staying in the race? Is the Party separate from the
people? Is it the case that what is good for the people good for the
Party? I thought about posting this to the blog but I was coming off
as not supportive and that is not what I, or you want on there. So I
pose this directly to the candidate. Isn't freedom great. Thank you,
David S

I assume you mean percentage of the polls before the election. Most Libertarians barely get 1% of the vote let alone even get mentioned in the news. Yet we have to drudge out there and get an ungodly amount of petitions just to get on the ballot. After all that work you better stay in it. Why should I endorse either candidate ? Perhaps if they supported immediate troop withdrawal.

This is an insurgent/protest vote designed to peel away voters from both sides. Enough dissatisfaction should make a point somewhere. I'd say post it it on the blog. This is about the Open Party Campaign. How can you get either side to agree on drugs, guns, abortion and gay marriage ? Only the libertarian stance is consistent on these issues.This candidacy raises the questions that get buried in the media sand. It's a one shot, give it my best deal.
A grassroots, see if we can do it kind of thing. That's the other point, participation for those who never get it.

E

The new number is (518) 754-1023.

As a first term Congressman, Eric Sundwall would be willing to back HR-635. The resolution calling for an investigation of the lead up to the Iraq invasion and occupation, will probably not get as much attention as the emerging nannygate now plaguing Representative Conyer's office. None the less, rather than call for some vague notion of 'ethics' in the course of a campaign, why not focus on a real issue. Of course we'd also like to see investigations into widespread torture, unauthorized wiretaps of American citizens and suspension of habeas corpus .

If the first American Congress had the money that NYRA has foisted upon the people, The Battle of Saratoga might have won the war instead of just being a turning point. Would a new sheriff in Albany clean up this rodeo ? Presumably the State is in the racing and gambling business because it's inherently too corrupt for private enterprise. Perhaps profit motive, shareholders and a board beholden to them would not be so bad . . .

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government - Edward Abbey

Here we go again. Will the renewal of the Patriot Act help, hinder or not even effect third party candidates ?