NATIVE VOTE - 2012

GTB Chairman Bailey Announces Bid for Congress in Upper Michigan

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN - With still ten months ahead of the Michigan primary election next August, Derek Bailey, tribal chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, declared himself a candidate for the Democratic party's 1st Congressional nominee today to the backdrop of Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.

Derek Bailey for US Congress

Earlier in the day, Bailey, 38, made the same announcement in Escanaba. He and a caravan of supporters will cross the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the two peninsulas to head to another stop to declare his candidacy in Traverse City on Saturday evening.

To Hear from Voters

Using the backdrop of Lake Superior and a bright blue sky, Bailey told crowd of supporters as he announced his candidacy that he will spend his time listening to the voters in District 1 to find out what they want to be addressed in Washington DC.

At a table set up with Bailey for Congress handouts, there is a comment box. Campaign committee members said Bailey truly wants to hear from voters.

"I am proud of him," commented Kathy Lablanc, a tribal member of the Bay Mills Indian Community, who drove 20 miles to hear Bailey make his announcement.

Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

“ We need more Indians to stand up as he is doing and run for office.”

Bailey will face Gary McDowell, who announced two weeks ago he is a candidate in the Democratic Party primary. The primary election will be held next August 7, 2012. The winner will emerge to face the one-term incumbent Dan Benishek.

revised October 3, 2011 10:12 am edt, posted October 1, 2011 9:57 pm edt