Gary Peters Sworn to House of Representatives

Here's a picture of Gary Peters at the ceremonial swearing in with Speaker Pelosi and his family.

I'm Finally Represented by a Democrat in Congress

I almost have to pinch myself. Today Gary Peters will be sworn in officially as my Congressman from the 9th Congressional District. Be still my heart. Gary Peters, Barack Obama and the rest of the Democrats that were elected in November sure have their work cut out for them cleaning up after 8 looooooooooong years of George W. Bush and Republican rule.

Gary Peters Addresses the 48th Annual Phil Hart Dinner

The 2008 Phil Hart Dinner was a chance for Democrats in Oakland County to celebrate their huge 2008 victories. Gary Peters addressed the crowd with words about what he will do when he gets sworn in on January 6th, 2009.

Oakland Press Endorses Gary Peters

This is huge. The Oakland Press that has a penchant for endorsing Republicans, especially incumbent Republicans has endorsed Democrat Gary Peters in the race for the 9th Congressional district. Will wonders never cease. Way to go, Gary!

Be Afraid, Brooks Patterson, Be Very Afraid

I just ran across this article from the Eccentric newspaper.
TOM WATKINS: Be afraid, Brooks Patterson, be very afraid
July 24, 2008

After watching the speeches of Senators Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain on Tuesday, June 3rd, the night Senator Obama clinched the Democratic nomination, I believe that 2008 could be one of those political tsunami years that wipes out all in its path. Republicans should be very worried at the national, state and local levels.

To juxtapose the energy, focus and desire not simply between the Democratic candidates and their Republican counterparts, but between their supporters, was like the proverbial "night and day."

Senator McCain was, well, let me be kind — dreadful — while both Clinton and Obama were inspiring and uplifting. McCain appeared to be speaking at a corpse convention as if he was afraid of waking them up! If things do not catch fire on the Republican side of the ticket given the dismal poll numbers of the President and the loss of conservative brand appeal, it could spell doom for anyone with the letter "R" after their name on the ballot.

As I watched that night I thought of a friend, the long-standing Republican, Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson, could be in what we call in political parlance "deep doo doo."

No, it is not just the Obama McCain match-up that could prove to be problematic in and of itself. What is emerging may be the perfect political storm that could knock off the Republican political icon who as been a fixture in Oakland County for over three decades.

How could Brooks be knocked off his perch? Let me count the ways:

1) The excitement Senator Obama generates could push the Democratic vote surge to its highest level in the history of Oakland County. It should be noted that Oakland County, typically Republican, has been trending Democratic in the last several presidential elections.

Gary Peters - A Man of Character

Now here's what I'm talking about. Gary Peters' campaign is showing real commitment to the people of his district with his plan to take his campaign off the campaign trail every weekend from now until election day and do some public service. That's the kind of person I want representing me in Congress.

Peters Hits Knollenberg on Energy Policy

Ah, the good old days. When George W. Bush took office the price of gas was $1.70. Why in the world does Joe Knollenberg think we'll trust him and his constant companion, George W. Bush on a real energy policy to bring down prices now? I will admit, the Republican "energy plan" has been good for Bush's buddies in the oil industry and have produced record profits.
This is a quote from George W. Bush in 2001. "I worry about the fact that hard working people are paying high prices at the pump; it concerns me a lot," the president said recently. "I also say we need to build more refining capacity. We need more supply." Isn't that the same thing he said last week? Sounds to me like Joe Knollenberg and George W. Bush need some new material.

Driving into Debt?
May 23, 2001

Traveling by car these days will cost you more this summer-- at least $1.70 a gallon for gas. That's the average price at the pump this month, up 13 percent from just a year ago.

An estimated 30 million drivers will hit the road for Memorial Day weekend. If each one buys just a gallon of gas, they'll have spent about 51 million bucks. Click here for the rest of the article.

As Bush Approaches, Peters proposes energy plans

As Bush approaches, Peters proposes energy plans

by Greg Kowalski • Eccentric staff writer • June 25, 2008

As President George W. Bush came into Livonia to raise money for the Republican Party Democratic Congressional candidate Gary Peters wasted no time tieing him to Joe Knollenberg, Peters’ opponent for the 9th U.S. House seat.

Linking the Republicans might seem to be a natural match, but these days Knollenberg, like many other Republicans, is distancing himself from the president, who now has a dismal public approval rating.

“The fact that he is coming in shows the Republican Party in Michigan is closely linked to Bush,” Peters said. But, “the people of Oakland County are ready for a change,” Peters said in a noon telephone news conference.

Although Peters had some choice comments for Knollenberg and Bush, the primary focus of the conference was on Peters’ plans to deal with the high cost of fuel and how it is impacting municipal operations.

“I’ve been extremely frustrated with the lack of an energy policy,” Peters said. Peters proposes a short-term and long-term approach, starting with reining in oil speculators and going after price gougers. Long-term he wants to see development of alternative energy sources.

“We have to make a serious commitment to research,” he said.

But he doesn’t approve of off-shore drilling or drilling in environmentally sensitive areas. The oil companies, he said, already have access to 67 million acres of oil fields where they aren’t drilling.

“Even if they were to drill, an impact (on prices) wouldn’t be felt for 10 years,” he said

Also taking part in the conference were Birmingham City Commissioner Scott Moore, Waterford Township Supervisor Carl Solden; Royal Oak School Board Member Kevin McLogan; West Bloomfield firefighter Dave DeBoyer; and Fred Timpner, executive director of the Michigan Association of Police.
All described how the high cost of fuel is impacting their community or working conditions.

“We’re considering more outsourcing,” Moore said. That saves the city money, he said but the contractors tend to pay less, which means the workers have less to spends and ultimately, “That affects the quality of life.”

DeBoyer said the West Bloomfield Fire Department is already $7,000 over budget this year for its fuel expenditures.

“We started shutting trucks off at the scene, which is something historically we don’t do.” But allowing trucks to idle burns gas.

Timpner said some police departments are severely curtailing police patrols to save gas. One department, he said, has limited its officers to drive only 45 miles per shift. Other departments, like Pontiac, have drastically cut the number of officers
“We have less officers on the street today than we had on 9-11,” Timpner said.
Yet, Peters said, Knollenberg has voted against funding for such operations as COPS, the Community Oriented Policing Program.

Echoing the theme of change, Peters said. “The policies of the past are not working now.”

Eric Coleman, Brenda Lawrence and Gary Peters Introduce Barack Obama

Oakland County Commissioner, Eric Coleman, Mayor of Southfield and candidate for Oakland County Executive, Brenda Lawrence and 9th Congressional District candidate, Gary Peters, introduce Barack Obama.

Gary Peters and Brenda Lawrence Comment on Barack Obama's Historic Victory

Gary Peters and Brenda Lawrence, candidate for Oakland County Executive, comment on the historic victory of Barack Obama for the Democratic party nomination.

Oakland Democrats March in Birmingham Anniversary Parade

Oakland County Democrats were out in force on Sunday in Birmingham's 75th Anniversary parade. Democrats Sheila Smith, candidate for County Clerk, Gary Peters, candidate for the 9th Congressional District and Jane Boudreau, candidate for Oakland County Sheriff joined the troops as we marched through downtown Birmingham.

Joe Knollenberg wasn't quite so popular. We found Joe's thundersticks in the trash outside the Townsend hotel and there were lots more in trash cans all over downtown Birmingham.

Oakland County targeted by Democrats against Knollenberg

Gary Peters' race against 8-term incumbent Joe Knollenberg is getting lots of attention at the national level from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Peters has been added to the Red to Blue program for Democrats who have the best chance to unseat incumbents. Peters and Mark Schauer have the best will be targeted with financial resources to help take out Republican incumbents. Michigan is one of the only states with two candidates in the Red to Blue program. Peters task is made a little harder, in that Knollenberg has a bigger war chest, but he has enthusiastic supporters in Michigan and across the country. If you want to help out with a little financial support of your own, CLICK HERE. Today is the reporting deadline for the campaign and Peters would appreciate your donation.

Gary Peters is out to win,for all of us. Kevorkian out for himself

Running as an independent, Jack Kevorkian won't win, but he could be a factor in a close race. Based on the stories in the papers yesterday, Kevorkian's only reasons for running are selfish ones. Gary Peters is out to help provide the change we need in Washington. I have no doubt Kevorkian is in to stay, given his quotes in the stories I've seen. I also believe the votes he does get will come from independents and Democrats. So, what do Democrats have to do to make sure Gary Peters is our representative, work even harder for Gary Peters to make sure the few thousand votes Kevorkian pulls from Peters are not the margin of victory for Joe Knollenberg. Every phone call, every door knocked, every dollar donated have to count. We have to make sure Gary's message gets out effectively by every method available.

How can you help? Click here to make a donation to Gary's campaign, NOW!

Parolee Kevorkian seeks seat in House
Assisted-suicide advocate to push forindividual rights

BY KATHLEEN GRAY • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER •

March 25,2008

"I have never been a political person. I have only voted once in mylife," he said, during a rambling news conference Monday in Southfieldin which he quoted a range of historical figures that included Alexis de Tocqueville and Frederick Douglass.

Kevorkian plans to run as an Independent candidatein the 9th Congressional District, for a seat that is held by U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Township.
Kevorkian promised to stay in officeonly two years if elected.

"I'm 79, almost 80," he said. "That's old."

His goal is to raise awareness of the Ninth Amendment, which says rights spelled out in the Constitution do not diminish rights that aren't specifically spelled out.

Kevorkian coverage over the top

This is getting ridiculous. I guess the Kevorkian story was a novelty, but giving this guy as much press as he's received when there is a real race between Gary Peters and Joe Knollenberg is over the top. Kevorkian has never held elective office and has no experience in raising money, putting together an organization, gathering volunteers, and all the aspects of a real campaign. How about asking him his views on the war, the economy, the foreclosure crisis, now the debt crisis in general. I haven't seen one piece of responsible journalism on this story. Has Kevorkian done anything other than pick up a piece of paper at the Clerk's office?

Democrat takes House seat formerly held by Dennis Hastert

In a stunning development, Bill Foster (D)defeated Jim Oberweis (R). The NRCC invested 20% of its cash on hand trying to retain this seat and failed. Why am I mentioning this here? Because it bodes well for Gary Peters defeating Republican Congressman Joe Knollenberg. Oakland county is a 50/50 district and trending more Democratic every election cycle.

568 of 568 Precincts Reporting - 100%

Bill Foster (D): 53% (52,010)
Jim Oberweis (R): 47% (46,988)

Chris Van Hollen, chair of the DCCC, sent the following statement via e-mail last night.

"Congratulations to Bill Foster on his victory tonight. Bill Foster’s victory in the seat that was held by Speaker Hastert sends a political shock wave across America this election year. It is a stunning rejection of the Bush Administration, its Republican allies, and presidential nominee John McCain. Republican candidates learned tonight that Senator McCain, who campaigned with the Republican nominee, cannot save them from defeat this November against strong Democratic challengers, even in districts that voted overwhelmingly for President Bush.

"Despite spending 20 percent of the their cash on hand, the NRCC was unable to hold a seat easily won by President Bush and held by Speaker Hastert for 20 years. Americans of all political stripes are rejecting Republicans’ divisive, status quo politics and turning to Democratic candidates for change. I am grateful to Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Barack Obama, and the Illinois Democratic delegation and candidates for encouraging the people of this district to vote for change by supporting Bill Foster.

"Voters of all political stripes responded to Bill Foster’s commitment to change. With his unique background as a respected scientist and a successful businessman, Bill Foster will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus, as we continue fighting to strengthen our economy and ease the squeeze on America’s struggling middle class families."

Birmingham Eccentric: Peters Sides with Workers

Peters sides with workers

Gary Peters has taken a stance for the working man, calling for economic changes in Oakland County and lashing out at Rep. Joe Knollenberg, his Republican rival for the 9th U.S. House seat.

"I will be a strong voice for the working men and women of Oakland County and will fight to bring and protect high-paying jobs and ensure health care is available," Peters said Wednesday at the Pipe Fitters Local 636 in Farmington Hills.

Peters was joined by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen. Several workers were also in attendance to share their stories of struggle.

"Congressman Knollenberg has partnered with the Bush administration in leveling a disastrous economic policy that has undermined the rights of workers, dished out incentives for companies to invest oversees, and stood idly by, watching the exodus of thousands of Michigan jobs," Peters said.

"Gary Peters is a proven problem solver with a record of results for working families. No one will fight harder on behalf of his constituents and for every Michigan job," Van Hollen said. "Whether it's voting to outsource American jobs or blindly supporting the Iraq war, Joe Knollenberg is one of President Bush's most loyal rubber stamps and is out of touch with the struggles and priorities of working families in this district."

Peters and Van Hollen were joined by Dan Pier, who after 31 years of working for Farmer Jack grocery store lost his job.

"Our current congressman believes that Michigan jobs can not be saved," Pier said. "I do not agree with this. Our present situation calls for someone who will work for us in Washington and in Oakland County and not sit idly by as companies undercut wages and prices while our jobs disappear. We need a change in leadership and I know that Gary Peters will put the priorities of working men and women in Oakland County first."

Detroits News Covers Van Hollen Campaigning with Gary Peters

Dems step up efforts to unseat Knollenberg

Democratic candidate Gary Peters, party leader join forces at local rally in bid to oust GOP veteran.

Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau

FARMINGTON HILLS -- Democrats on Wednesday previewed their line of attack in what promises to be one of the nation's hottest congressional races, when a top party campaign official came to Oakland County promoting Gary Peters' bid to unseat veteran Rep. Joe Knollenberg.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, stopped with Peters at a Pipefitters & Steamfitters Local 636 to rally organized labor support before attending a Peters' fundraiser later in the day. Van Hollen, whose job is to expand Democrats' narrow House majority, said the combination of a changing Oakland County district and Knollenberg's support of President Bush make the seat ripe for a takeover.

"If you look at the political constituency here, it's one we think is very up for change," Van Hollen said. The fact that Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Hills, won a narrow 2006 victory over a relatively unknown and underfunded challenger, and Democratic polling showing Knollenberg with a low approval rating, "make it pretty clear that there's a huge amount of discontent with the incumbent," Van Hollen said.

The DCCC heavily recruited Peters, the former state lottery commissioner, to challenge Knollenberg, despite the fact that the 2006 challenger, Nancy Skinner, is running again this year. Skinner held Knollenberg to just 52 percent of the vote despite having almost no name recognition when the race began.

In addition to Van Hollen, Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, has traveled to Michigan to help Peters raise money, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has a spring visit planned. The DCCC's aid means fundraising assistance and the possibility of independent advertising in support of Peters as the election nears.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.

Peters Ramping Up Effort Against Knollenberg

Politically Speaking: Skinner: All-star, but can she hit? No!

In today's Detroit Free Press, the Politically Speaking column covers Nancy Skinners being the DFA All-star, but they also mention she only had $6700 as of the end of December in cash on hand.

Click here for the story.

An All-Star, but can she hit?

Nancy Skinner of Royal Oak got a boost in her challenge to Republican Rep. Joe Knollenberg last week.

Democracy for America, a progressive blog, named Skinner its 2008 All-Star among 98 candidates for Congress. It could bring Skinner much-needed campaign cash. She reported only $6,785 in her campaign fund at the end of 2007, compared with Knollenberg's $1,035,640.

Skinner's Democratic rival for the seat, ex-lottery commissioner Gary Peters, reported $358,516.

Peters is to campaign today with U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Monday, February 18 Stories

There is a wealth of political news today. The Oakland Press covers local Dems and their reaction to the tight race for the Democratic nomination. Katie Jacobs, prolific Letter to the Editor writer, urges Democrats to stand up to President Bush, a feeling I share. This could be a big week in the push to start impeachment hearings also. Democratic activists have been meeting with Congressman Conyers and word on the street is it's starting to sway him to start hearings.

The Detroit News covers the weekend Republican state convention, where Republicans acknowledge, they're in for a rough year.


CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.

Detroit News covers the Republican state convention
State GOP gathers, digs in for 'tough year'
Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau
LANSING -- The Michigan Republican Party kicked off its convention here this weekend with a prayer to "deliver us from liberalism and secular humanism" and for "the election of conservative Republicans."
It's unclear whether the Almighty will be offering any aid come November, but the GOP will need some sort of help if it's to endure what is shaping up as a difficult 2008 election season.
"We're definitely on the defensive," said Michael Brown, an assistant prosecutor from Monroe and one of the 3,000 or so local activists milling around the convention floor at the Lansing Center. From those grass-roots Republicans to the top of the state party leadership, there were acknowledgements that a number of factors point to a challenging year:
• In the presidential race, the state GOP lost what may have been its best chance to carry Michigan for the first time in 20 years when Mitt Romney bowed out this month.
• In the U.S. Senate race, a popular incumbent with a huge financial advantage -- Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit -- makes the all-but-certain GOP challenger, state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk, among the longest of long shots among Senate hopefuls across the country.
• Democrats are targeting two Republican-held U.S. House seats, promising to pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into bids to unseat veteran Rep. Joe Knollenberg of Bloomfield Township and freshman Rep. Tim Walberg of Tipton.

Katie Jacobs urges Democrats to stand up to President Bush on FISA