Democratic Candidate For U.S. House District 2, Sweeney, Visits Sidney

Mark Sweeney, Democrat candidate for Montana U.S. House of Representatives District Montana #2 visited Sidney March 31. During his time in town Sweeney spoke at the Sidney Kiwanis Club, visited with chairman of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Jim Steinbeisser, met with Sidney Health Center CEO Jen Doty, met with local business leaders and spoke to area Democrats.

Sweeney grew up in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School. He holds a degree from Western Montana College in Dillon. Sweeney is a third generation Montanan. Sweeney drew a stark contrast from his other opponents. "I grew up in eastern Montana," he stated. "I know the people I represent pretty well."

Sweeney built his relationships through competing and traveling in high school sports throughout eastern Montana including Glendive, Sidney, Glasgow, Baker, Plentywood, Poplar, Wolf Point, Billings, Laurel, Havre and Hardin. He feels we all share a strong heritage coming from similar communities with common interests.

Sweeney has vast and varied work experience across the state. He worked on the early construction of Colstrip power stations 3 & 4. Sweeney fought wildfires during the summer months while attending college and he has worked on farms and ranches moving irrigation pipe, moving cattle, branding and shipping calves. He is also an avid hunter.

Sweeney's professional life consisted of 28 years with the State of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. This included work at Intake fishing access site. He is currently a small business owner. Sweeney is also serving in the Montana State Senate representing District 39. He previously served two terms as county commissioner for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County.

Sweeney believes in people before politics. "It has served me well in the legislature. I have a strong reputation for being able to work across party lines," he said. "My opponent, Rosendale, is part of the right. He is only going to work with his people." Sweeney spoke of various times he voted against his own party for the needs of his constituents during his time in the Montana legislature.

Much of Sweeney's focus during his campaign has been on schools and hospitals. "We have been spending a lot of time in schools and hospitals. Those things are vitally important to communities. They are two industries hit extremely hard by the pandemic. We need to make sure they have the tools that they need," he said. Sweeney's wife spent 32 years as an educator.

Sweeney will face fellow Democrats Penny Ronning and Skylar Williams in the Montana primary on June 7. The general election will take place Nov. 8.

The Richland County Democrats will be holding a candidate forum and dinner on April 23 at the Sidney Elks Club. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a social meet and greet followed by dinner and entertainment at 6 p.m. The forum will begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. For reservations call 406-480-1706 or send your name and number attending to [email protected]. Payment will be collected at the door before the event.