"We are in This Together" Grand Traverse Band Chairman to Run for Congress

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

Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN - Calling for an end to the gridlock that has gripped Washington, Derek Bailey, chairman of the Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, said he would make a formal announcement tomorrow, October 1, to declare his candidacy for the US House of Representatives in Michigan 1st Congressional District.

A news release was emailed to the Native News Network late Thursday night, dated for today, September 30, 2011. The announcement will contain a message of unity and bridge building. "We are in this together," declares Bailey.

"In Congress we need vibrant, creative and strong leadership in advancing the needs of the citizens in northern Michigan," said Bailey. "I am running to truly represent the citizenship in District One in word and in deed, to make sure our voice is heard."

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.

The newly reconfigured District One Congressional seat that includes all of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and several counties in the Lower Peninsular. The newly drawn Congressional district contains eight of the twelve federally recognized American Indian tribes based in Michigan.

Bailey was elected to tribal council in 2004 and served until 2008, when he was elected tribal chairman.

posted September 30, 2011 6:30 am edt