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Candidate Profile from Congressional QuarterlyDonald L. Sherwood (R) of TunkhannockOpen Seat
Sherwood's interest in national politics was sparked by watching scores of young people move out of his district in search of economic opportunity in nearby cities. This observation, and his experience as owner of several Chevrolet dealerships in northeastern Pennsylvania, prompted him to choose job creation as a top congressional priority. He hopes to achieve that goal through traditional GOP methods including tax and regulatory policy. The future of Social Security and Medicare are important concerns as well, since the 1980s and 1990s brain drain also saw the average age of residents in his district increase dramatically. With more than 20 years experience on the Tunkhannock Area School Board, of which he has been president since 1992, Sherwood likely will emphasize education in Washington. During his tenure on the board, he oversaw a curriculum overhaul and took pride in the fact that school never was interrupted by a labor dispute. Sherwood echoes familiar Republican refrains, saying he hopes to scale back federal control and cede more fiscal decision-making powers to states and local areas. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Ga., has indicated he would support Sherwood as a replacement for the retiring Joseph M. McDade on the powerful Appropriations Committee, ensuring the panel will continue to have a Pennsylvania Republican among its ranks. Sherwood also has expressed interest in a seat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he could help bring needed construction and repair projects to the district.
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