Rock Island Today

Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Woodhull) took to Facebook to complain about government spending.

“Illinois taxpayers are sick of the high gas taxes, property taxes, and inflation costs,” Swanson posted on Facebook. “The government doesn't have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem.”

Swanson announced his campaign to represent the newly created 71st district in January and beat Matthew Raushert in the June Republican primary.

Swanson will face Democrat Christopher Demink in November's general election.

“I ran for and won election to serve as State Representative six years ago to continue my advocacy for hardworking families and veterans in Springfield,” Swanson said, according to Our Quad Cities. “I’ve led the charge for accountability and action at Quincy Veterans Home following the Legionnaire’s outbreak and more recently holding officials accountable in our Veterans Homes for their handling of COVID.”

A press release from his campaign said Swanson has served nearly 30 years in the U.S. military. The release said Swanson has focused on supporting agriculture, helping veterans, improving services for rural communities, and expanding opportunities for working families.

Swanson has served on various standing committees, such as the Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee.

“Illinois families deserve streets free from crime, great schools, and opportunities to grow their families here in Illinois,” Swanson said in the news release. “They deserve a state government with its house in order and free from corruption. They don’t deserve the unethical, immoral, tax-and-spend attitude they get from Chicago politicians.” 

Swanson told the Tri-States Public Radio he’ll propose legislation that’ll require schools to let the public review textbooks for 30 days.

This month, Swanson paid tribute to a fallen World War II veteran. Hershel “Woody” Williams was the last-living World War II Medal of Honor recipient. He passed away on June 29.