Republican State Sen. Dave Syverson announces re-election bid

Originally published by Chris Green of the Rockford Register Star | Link here: State Sen. Dave Syverson plans to run for re-election to 35th district (rrstar.com)

ROCKFORD — State Sen. Dave Syverson announced his candidacy for re-election Tuesday by touting experience and a track record of serving constituents regardless of what party is occupying the governor's office.

He made his announcement before more than 200 supporters at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.

Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, said during his nearly 30 years in Springfield he and his staff worked to bring back to the area more than half billion dollars in capital projects such Mercyhealth Sportscore, the developing Hard Rock Casino as well as "roads, bridges, schools and other projects that we hope has reduced some of the reliance on property taxes."

"I'm also proud that I've been able to pass legislation to positively impact families and small businesses."

The veteran republican senator was first elected to the Senate in 1992 to represent the 34th District until 2013. He has since represented the 35th District, which includes sections of Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties. 

He said working with a democratic-controlled statehouse is not always easy but common ground can and must be found.

"I'm proud of the success that we've had," he said. "You know a number of the issues that we deal with are regional issues and not necessarily party issues... . We meet regularly with all the legislators in their areas, both republicans and democrats to look at areas that we can work together on on behalf of this area." 

Syverson identified government spending, the need for more well-paying jobs and the state of the economy as the most pressing issues facing lawmakers in Springfield and throughout the country.

"We have a government that is spending at a rate that is totally out of control that's not sustainable," he said. "When this federal bailout money ends next year, we're going to be hitting a huge cliff."

Syverson said the task before himself and others in Springfield is to figure out a way to deliver government services "in more cost-effective ways to get better results without having to continually hit the taxpayer to pay it."

The incumbent senator will be challenged next year in the June 28 primary by Winnebago County Republican Central Committee Chairman Eli Nicolosi.

"I'm excited for the upcoming election and the opportunity to talk with voters in the 35th District," Nicolosi said in a statement issued Tuesday. "I wish Dave the best of luck and look forward to seeing him on the campaign trail."

Every Senate district elects its members to serve two four-year terms and one two-year term in each decade.

When Nicolosi, 42, of Loves Park, announced his candidacy in July, he spoke of a desire to see term limits become law.

"Anything more than 10 years, you are pushing it," he said. "And what I can tell you is 30 years is too long."

Syverson, the Republican Caucus Whip, described his nearly three decades of service as invaluable experience that has made him a more effective lawmaker.

"After this many years, you learn a lot of things," he said. "You learn how to build bridges with a lot of people, but you also understand how the process works. I'm proud of the fact that we were able to work to successfully bring projects back, to get legislation passed, but also be a voice down there for common sense."

The winner of the June primary will advance to the general election which will be held Nov. 8, 2022.