In 2008, Sweetland ran for the seat of retiring Republican Congressman James T. Walsh, against Democrat Dan Maffei, but was defeated 55% to 42% in the November 4 general election.
After it appeared he might run unopposed in the general election, on April 2 Republican Dale Sweetland, coming off a narrowly unsuccessful September 2007 bid for Onondaga County Executive, announced he'd oppose Maffei.
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The race featured Democratic Party nominee Dan Maffei, who narrowly lost to incumbent Jim Walsh for the same seat in 2006, Republican Party nominee Dale Sweetland, former Chairman of the Onondaga County Legislature, and Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins, Green Party founder and frequent political candidate.
Dale Chihuly | Dick Dale | Dale Earnhardt | Dale Evans | Dale Carnegie | Dale Van Sickel | Dale Winton | Darley Dale | Dale Midkiff | Dale Kildee | Dale | Virginia Dale | Robert Dale Owen | Icewind Dale | Dale Tempest | Dale Sweetland | Dale Sommers | Dale Dye | Chris Dale | Chip 'n' Dale | Chapel-le-Dale | Boy Scouts of America v. Dale | Walton-le-Dale | Virginia Dale, Colorado | Millers Dale | Jim Dale | Dale Wimbrow | Dale Vince | Dale Velzy | Dale Van Atta |