Rep. Dan Swanson
Although momentum continues for Chicago to become the 51st state, State Rep. Dan Swanson believes it’s nothing more than symbolic in nature. He says it will never happen despite strong efforts by some downstate lawmakers. In May, a resolution calling on Congress to declare Chicago the 51st state had eight Republican cosponsors in the state House and support among many of the state’s conservative activists. It’s the second such bill in as many years. “I think it’s all a symbolic gesture by a few members of the House,” Swanson said. “They’re trying to push to make Chicago its own state. Remember, the majority of the members in the House and the Senate come from Cook County and they need us. It would be their vote that would change what that shape-up would look like.” 74th District Representative Swanson also actively farms in Alpha.
