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.
Walsh's 2006 Democratic challenger Dan Maffei had already announced his candidacy to challenge the seat in 2008, and had mounted a strong campaign.
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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.
Dan Aykroyd | Steely Dan | Dan Quayle | Dan Rather | Dan Cruickshank | Dan Brown | Dan Simmons | Dan Fogelberg | Dan Abnett | England Dan & John Ford Coley | Dan Ryan Expressway | Dan Deacon | Dan Reeves | Dan Graham | Dan Burton | Dan Wheldon | Dan | Maffei | Dan Savage | Dan in Real Life | Dan Hill | Dan Flavin | Dan Vapid | Dan Sperber | Dan Penn | Dan Bricklin | Dan Tyminski | Dan Slott | Dan Lipinski | Dan Fante |