Swonger Blacks Out Colorado District 59 Campaign Site

Online, January 18, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Internet campaign site for Patrick Swonger, a Democratic candidate for Colorado House District 59 (www.swongerforcolorado.org) was blacked out today in support of a nation-wide "Internet blackout" in protest of two controversial anti-piracy bills: The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and its Senate companion, the Protect IP Act (PIPA).

"It is a very small statement in the scope of this national issue, but our campaign wants to show grassroots support for this on-line protest. It's an important issue and the national protest is a great example of democracy in action," said Swonger in a statement released today.

"The bills may be well-intentioned, to strengthen protections against copyright infringement and intellectual property theft, but most Internet advocates agree they would stifle expression and economic development through the World Wide Web," according to Swonger. "Business growth through the Internet is a fast growing area for the Colorado and American economy. Let's move very carefully in the fragile recovery phase we are in."

"I also have concerns with these bills regarding free speech through the Internet," Swonger added. "If blogging platforms have to question content and the extent of 'fair use' it could have a significant chilling effect on political discourse."

Swonger noted that the one-day black-out of his website may cost the campaign a few donations, "but in the big scheme of things, this is an important issue for all Americans and the people of this district."

From Silverton, Patrick Swonger is a Democratic candidate for the Colorado House District 59 seat and a citizen advocate for Colorado telecom and the internet issues. In 2010 he lead a town-county PUC action regarding telecom infrastructure issues in Southwest Colorado through Operation Linkup, a community grassroots organization he founded in 2005.

For more information contact Patrick Swonger, a Democratic candidate for the House 59th District at 970-759-8196, or visit www.swongerforcolorado.org after January 18th.