This is the last of a four-part series introducing the candidates running for the 12th Congressional seat.
Dearborn Democrat John Dingell is looking to break a record.
And if the 29-term representative is elected this November to serve the , he’ll do just that, becoming the longest serving member of Congress in American history.
Heading into the Aug. 7 primary, Democrat and Republicans and are also vying for the spot. One candidate from each political party will be eliminated at that time.
Not surprisingly, candidates are taking shots at Dingell’s voting record on issues such as health care and social security. Marcin’s campaign website is even aptly titled No30thTerm.com.
But supporters for Dingell are numerous, too.
He was joined in his campaign announcement by backers from various cities throughout the 12th District, which stretches from Ann Arbor east toward Ypsilanti, Dearborn and into Downriver.
“Congressman Dingell has been there for Ann Arbor when we needed him,” said Ann Arbor Mayor John Hiefjte. “His commitment to serving his constituents has always been above and beyond what I could have hoped for.”
Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack echoed the sentiment.
“Let me say how thrilled we in the Downriver are to have our champion back officially —and to thank him for never stopping his work for us,” she said at Dingell’s campaign kickoff in May.
For his part, Dingell has vowed to continue to work on issues such as health care, environmentalism, and job creation if reelected.
“This is my fight and has always been my fight,” he said in a statement. “And you can count on me to continue this fight for the priorities of Michigan’s people.”
But 2012 is not just about his reelection, Dingell stressed. He also pledged to campaign vigorously on behalf of President Barack Obama and Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Dingell said the 2012 elections will determine, “whether we as a nation move forward or backward.”
And the 85-year-old candidate believes there’s “much yet to be done” to accomplish that goal.
“Your concerns are my cause,” he told voters. “If you do me the honor of allowing me to continue representing you, together we will continue to pursue progress and justice for all of the hard working families of Southeast Michigan.”
