Democrats say veteran Rep. John Dingell plans to 'run scared' to keep his seat this year
Michigan Rep. John Dingell is the longest-serving member of the U.S. House, having won re-election 27 times and rarely receiving less than 65 percent of the votes cast.
The Michigan Democratic State Central Committee launched a website this week that attacks on a personal level his Republican opponent, Dr. Rob Steele. It calls the 52-year-old Ann Arbor-area cardiologist a "rich doctor" whose "five-car garage isn't big enough to hold all of his nine luxury cars."
Steele, who has spent the past two decades practicing medicine, said the website launch shows that Democrats are concerned for Dingell's political future.
Incumbent John Dingell
"He's been there 55 years, and why in the world would anybody give me any publicity if they were expecting another blowout," Steele said Wednesday. "When career politicians are in trouble, they'll just start saying whatever they want, whether it's true or not."
Steele said the website's claims, including that the doctor's wealth puts him out of touch with southeastern Michigan's 15th District, are untrue.
"Most of it's absolutely fabricated. It's absurd. There's many inaccuracies in it," Steele said, noting that he worked his way through medical school as a dues-paying union worker who "wasn't given wealth."
Michigan Democrats are standing by the website. Spokesman John Tramontana said the party doesn't take any race for granted, including those involving long-serving members of Congress.
"This race is no different than any other race that we work toward in making sure Democrats are elected in the fall," Tramontana said. "Rob Steele is obviously out of touch with people of the 15th District. He doesn't understand their concerns. He doesn't understand what they're going through."
Dingell's chief of staff, Michael Robbins, said the congressman's "philosophy has always been to run a very aggressive campaign ... no matter what the mood of the electorate is like."
Challenger Rob Steele
The party's House campaign arm issued a memo Wednesday promising the 84-year-old Dingell would win a 29th term in November. It said it was responding to media reports and whispers by GOP officials that Democrats are worried about the longest-serving House member's chances in what's shaping up as a grim year for their incumbents.
"With a national mood and a Michigan political climate that are both trending against incumbents, the Dingell campaign is simply being prudent and aggressive in the re-election effort," said the memo from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Dingell "has never taken an election season for granted. All Democratic incumbents should take a page out of his playbook and 'run scared' each cycle, especially 2010, even if they are not truly afraid of losing."
The memo notes that Dingell's Detroit-area district is overwhelmingly Democratic — President Barack Obama won there in 2008 with 66 percent of the vote, while Dingell coasted to re-election with 71 percent — and says he plans aggressive efforts to turn out Democrats in November.
Dingell held a 9-to-1 cash-on-hand advantage over Steele through mid-July, and the congressman's fundraising hasn't been as strong as it was in 2008.
But there's a fear among Democrats that Steele will begin pumping his own money into the race, which has drawn the attention of the national GOP. Steele recently appeared on conservative pundit Sean Hannity's show on the Fox News Channel, and on Wednesday the National Republican Congressional Committee announced that Steele had reached the second of its three-level "Young Guns" candidate development program and claimed that Dingell's re-election campaign "is on the rocks."
The NRCC's counterpart, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in its own statement Wednesday that any talk of Dingell being in trouble is much ado about nothing.
"Yes, John Dingell is running an aggressive campaign, but that should not be misinterpreted as anything more than John Dingell's prudence and due diligence as an aggressive campaigner every cycle," the DCCC release said.
Robbins was a bit more direct: "Mr. Dingell will win on Nov. 2," he said.
Oakland University political science professor David Dulio sees the race the same way, in part because of what he says is Dingell's overwhelming incumbent advantage.
"Not even close. He's going to win going away," Dulio said.
Comments
maallen
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 11:15 a.m.
I am so tired of hearing the lies that Mr. Dingell is for the people of Michigan and how he puts his constituents first. How does one explain that since 1957 Dingell has been pushing his socialistic universal healthcare agenda. Every year since 1957 he has submitted legislation on it. Hmmmm....he's for his constituents? They were wanting this back in 1957 and every year since? And how can we overlook things that he says: "Being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing condition." You gotta be kidding me, right? Being a woman is a pre-existing condition? And then he says this about Michigan: "Well, Michigan people will tell you there is not enough being done and, quite honestly, it is pretty hard to see how anything could be done to cure the problems we have in Michigan." This is the guy that represents us? This is the guy that says "he is America's watchdog?" I don't need a "America's watchdog. I want someone who will represent Michigan and look out for Michigan. It is sad that Dingell can't "see how anything could be done to cure the problems we have in Michigan." Well, why don't we start curing the problem by voting Dingell out! Dingell is so far out of touch with the rest of us here in Michigan. He doesn't know what it's like to have a job here in Michigan. All he can do is pass legislation telling others on how to do their job. I like how Dingell says this: "American families know what it means to live within a budget-only spending what you can afford and saving where you can- this is a common sense approach to making ends meet to which our government must return. Democrats understand that the federal budget deficit,born of reckless spending..." Yet in 2009, Dingell earmarked $52 million dollars onto bills. He was ranked number 70 out of 435 representatives. And yet he says he understands the deficit and reckless spending? In 2010, he earmarked over $29 million dollars onto bills. And 2010 isn't over yet! He has no clue about living within budgets. It's not his money so he likes to spend, spend, spend. How can he be for the people when he hasn't held a private sector job in his whole life? He doesn't have a clue what we ordinary citizens go through because he has never been through it. Yet, he passes all these laws that we have to abide by and he doesn't. Yeah, he's not for us. He is one of those socialist elitist.
Scylding
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 12:07 a.m.
@ERMG: since you rail so sanctimoniously about how ignorant average voters and the posters on this thread are, I thought I might make an observation or two about how ignorant you appear to be concerning your own self-contradictions. You seem to link the "teaparty phenomenon" with this ignorance about government, yet the narrative, according to your champions in the media who trash tea party activists at every turn, is that they aren't a valid and admirable group because they are just a bunch of privileged white people who are older, richer and BETTER EDUCATED than the average citizen. Hmmm, better educated, according to the media libs, yet ignorant, according to lib-you. I think even Homer Simpson could spot that lib contradiction. Also, since you so often support the public schools and fight tooth and nail against anything that argues that they aren't working, maybe you could explain why all these posters and average voters, who no doubt mostly went to public schools, don't seem to have a firm understanding of the bicameral nature of our legislative branch. Please enlighten us!
stunhsif
Fri, Sep 17, 2010 : 11:38 p.m.
This guy is the "poster child" for why we need term limits. He was never good for Michigan and now he is "toxic" as in killing this state. God help us all!
demistify
Fri, Sep 17, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.
@Martin Church: "My income has now gone from $40,000 per year to $0.00. and in two years my tax bill will extend beyond 60% of my income." Let's see, 60% of $0.00 equals $0.00. Creative accounting? Creative campaigning?
Benjamin
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 10:22 p.m.
"Class envy" you have the nerve. this probably show's how far to the right EyeHeart is that articles written to the center look like liberal propaganda. Actually, the reporter is just reporting on opinions in the area, which Steele CLEARLY represents a minority in. He, as a doctor, doesn't know what it's like to be an out of work automotive factory worker, engineer, or IT professional. 3 professions I will tell you are nationally taking hits across the board. and HIM as a private doctor as long as he can tow the line to his insurance special interests won't see any pain (which I thought doctors were supposed to be empathetic. NO, I am NOT envious of him, I am furious at him.
Roadman
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 8:27 p.m.
Let me see...... John Dingell had the keen foresight to invest one milion dollars in General Motors stock, supported U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War unitl 1971, had a wife who was a GM executive while sitting as Chairman of the House Energy and Transportation Committee and also endorsed Leigh Greden for re-election to his Third Ward City Council seat. Sounds like a true..ummh.. Republican Party stalwart.
Chrysta Cherrie
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 5:50 p.m.
Tony posted this earlier in the comments, but it bears repeating since similar comments have continued: "While it is a legitimate issue to discuss the age of a candidate, please do not post comments that make stereotypical remarks about the elderly as a group." Thanks.
Samuel
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 5:25 p.m.
John doesn't have to worry. He can retire now at full pay, have a better health care package than any of us and not have to figure out ways to take away any more of our freedoms. I may have voted for you once, but NEVER again.
Sense
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 4:49 p.m.
All this knee-jerk anti-incumbent stuff baffles me. Tii's accusing the congressman of having an out-of-touch lifestyle when his opponent sits in an 8000 square foot home with 9 fancy cars? I have never met anybody who is as connected to the community as Congressman Dingell. He has a lifestyle that is indeed much different than yours given his constant personal interaction with a population in his district of about 800,000 or so. And, if you are the expert of the constitution's intent, perhaps you should file a brief with the US Supreme Court on that. Actually, Steele has an answer for that just like Tii does - and the constitution definitely protects against Steele's shoulder-shrug, off-the-cuff, sloppy ballpark number of years he'd impose willy-nilly. Neither Tii's nor Steele's answer, however, has much relation to the US Constitution - a document that Congressman Dingell always defers to, as he does know a thing or two about it. Some would say he is one of the rare few on the legislative side that knows the constitution as well as he does - to our express benefit in ways transparent and otherwise. I want my businesspeople, my doctors, my teachers and my elected officials to be at the top of their area of specialty, and Congressman Dingell ranks amongst the highest in his field of expertise. Why? Because all these vocations are rife with challenges, problems, and yes, accomplishments that require a dedicated professional. I count myself blessed and lucky to live in a country that encourages, through the US Constitution, this rare level of competence evidenced in Congressman Dingell's continued service of excellence.
MGradMSUMom
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 4:27 p.m.
Should Dingell Run Scared? NO -- I hope Dingell continues to believe that he will be re-elected easily, even though he and Congress think they know what is best for us and voted in health reform despite the clear voices of the American people.
Gloriagirl
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 4:15 p.m.
Oh wow is me, both the governors race and now this have a ask luster set of candidates. Rich guys versus career politicians. Where are the real candidates they look out for the little guy and the taxpayers that foot the bill? Is it really too expensive to run for office that small town attorneys or retired professors could have a chance. Even Geoffrey Fieger is a better choice in either race!
Tii
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.
He should be worried after decades of pandering to special interests whether it be the big three or the unions. He has been short sighted re our infrastructure, blocking mass transit to the benefit of big auto. As a life long Democrat, am sad to say it is time for a change. It was never the intent of the Constitution to have legislative positions for life. Perspective is lost when they do not have recent experience with the real world and live on fat salaries, lighter work schedules and bloated benefits, unlike the rest of us.
Dalex64
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 3:54 p.m.
sarcasm warning. The republicans are trying to say "see, the democrats are raising taxes on everyone!" by refusing, up to now at least, to allow taxes to go up for individuals making over $200,000. They'd rather have taxes go up on everyone. See the priorities? If the rich can't have their taxes cut, no one can. So, the government isn't supposed to take care of us, we are supposed to take care of ourselves. Businesses should be allowed to fail and put people out of work. Surely businesses would raise wages and benefits for the workers if only they weren't taxed so much, and definitely wouldn't distribute it to shareholders instead, who are demanding that costs be cut so profits go up. At the same time, you want unemployment benefits. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Or perhaps you don't want unemployment benefits, either. Only the strong survive, after all. You don't need the government to take care of you, you need to take care of yourself. I guess you should have been investing all of that extra cash you have been earning, from the bottom of the labor pool. Sorry, I just don't trust the majority of the rich few at the top to look out for the little people. Run a company into the ground in order to maximize shareholder earnings? No worries, I'll just take the multi-million dollar golden parachute and get a job doing the same thing somewhere else, since I was so good at putting money back into the hands of the shareholders.
Ray D. Aider
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 3:24 p.m.
Bogie said "blindly follow union leadership, and pull the democrat button everytime."...As a UAW member I have much to say about that...but I will not weary the gentle reader. Suffice it to say that there are some who actually vote their conscience. Imagine that.
Kevin Shopshire
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
So, you want to go back to the Bush recession, the worst since the Great Depression? Why? In a depression, that we were on the verge of before Obama pulled us out, even the rich dont do well. BTW, its Shopshire.
Ed Kimball
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
@martinchurch: if your income has been $40,000 per year and you've been paying 60% of it in taxes, I suggest you get a new tax preparer. And assuming Obama succeeds in letting the 2001 tax cuts expire only for couples making $250,000 per year (or singles making $200,000) you have nothing to worry about in terms of increased taxes unless you're lucky enough to get a new job making a LOT more money.
TooT
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
You people talk too much... I will be at the voting booth and I am voting for Rick Snyder and Rob Steele.
Bogie
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 3:11 p.m.
Forget about the politics of John Dingell. I'm just concerned if his mind is able to handle another term. During the healthcare debate, he did an interview on WJR. He sounded confused and slurry in speech. My second point, is that the whole country "hoses" us, because we blindly follow union leadership, and pull the democrat button everytime. I think, that is why our senators and congressmen (women) have lost political clout. To the democratic party; we're that female, you call at 2am..... too reliable.
E
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 3:06 p.m.
Sad that Mr. Dingell resorts to insults toward his opponent. After all these years does he not have at least one accomplishment to run on? The short answer is that he does not. The destruction of the US auto industry is testament enough to his leadership. Let's stop clinging to this man and give Rob Steele a chance. Mr. Steele has certainly achieved a lot in his life; let's see if that can be translated to the people of Michigan.
tpmcfadden
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 2:48 p.m.
Dr. Steele simply isn't qualified for the position. He has no serious government experience. If you've heard his comments (he was on Frank Beckman's show on WJR this morning), then you know he doesn't really know what he's taking about. Less spending! Cut government waste! Less government regulation! Such sophistry isn't very useful. The simple fact of the matter is that 67% of government spending is on defense and entitlement programs. http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/ Tell me: are you going to cut Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security or Defense? If you're not going to really gut these programs, then you're not serious about reducing the size of government.
BWSanderson
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 2:42 p.m.
Don Roberts "[doesn't] like what he doing to the United States Armed Forces as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee". That committee is chaired by Democrat Carl Levin of Michigan, and the Ranking Minority Member is Republican John McCain of Arizona.
Seasoned Cit
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 2:37 p.m.
How about we let John "Run to retirement"? Someone who helped ram healthcare legislation through that he probably has yet to read.. ignoring what the public has been telling Congress.... should retire with "dignity" as the President suggested for Rangel. Time to let the Career politicians retire with their nice fat benefits that they gave themselves.... and get some folks in DC who represent their citizens and not the Union leadership who got and keeps them getting elected
roz
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 2:30 p.m.
I don't find it necessary to either praise or blame Rep. Dingell for his work ethic, etc. If he's working hard to promote an agenda that I think will be harmful to the U.S. and Michigan, I will vote against him. I had to laugh at Mr. Shropshire's comment, "... take this economy backwards into the Bush recession." My first thought - I'd love to go back to that one instead of staying in the one we're in now.
Ray D. Aider
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 2:25 p.m.
@Jenna Thom... It would be absurd to insinuate the UAW is not going to support Dingell....Officially... But I can guarantee I know a LOT more UAW members than you do. There are many who will support him...without thinking....just because they always have....but I know many personally that are not so happy with what's going on in Washington. It's not just John Dingell... It's the 'throw the incumbants' out thing you may have heard about. Might not make a difference....you hope not...I assume.
DeeDee
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 2:18 p.m.
Don't know how many of these commenters have actually met and spoken with Mr. Dingell and/or his staff, but I can tell you that he is an incredibly hardworking guy, who may be old, but is unbelievably dedicated to his constituents and fights for the District in many ways. He has supported a huge number of important conservation and environmental issues, while balancing those needs with those of businesses and employers in our area. Saying that he is somehow responsible for the economic problems in this area is just absurd. Dingell spoke against the repeal of the Glass-Steagall act in 1999 with an eerily prescient speech about the problems it could (and did) bring, especially when a republican president and his Wall Street cronies got the opportunity to blow up the worlds largest financial bubble, profit from it and then leave millions unemployed while they paid themselves obscene bonuses out of Bush's TARP. Dingell warned this could happen and voted against it. It helps to know something about the guy's record before you parrot the no facts, no evidence right wing media on the subject.
discgolfgeek
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 2:14 p.m.
If Mr Waterboard aka Sean Hannity likes Steele then I am definitely voting for Dingell. However, right now, Snyder has my vote unless I see him smoozing with Hannity.
Jenna Thom
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.
@ Ray d. Aider Any UAW member who thinks they will be better off with Rob Steele is living in a fantasy land. All the UAW members I know are fully supporting Dingell. It is absurd to insinuate the UAW is not going to support Dingell.
LaurenC
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.
The page isn't about "class envy", it's about the fact that Steele's standing keeps him out of touch with the average residents of our district. John Dingell has shown great dedication over the past fifty-five years, and continues to serve as an example of leadership in the House.
Ray D. Aider
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 1:48 p.m.
When John Dingell has UAW members turning against him, he has problems.
Andrew Simon
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 1:45 p.m.
Steele's just running on fumes brought up by propaganda machines like Fox News. Dingell is an institution, and to lose him would mean a loss of a huge voice for Michigan. Michigan needs more voices in government now more than ever, and putting in some rich doctor with no knowledge of key issues would stall any sort of progress
Jenna Thom
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 1:24 p.m.
What's with all the ageism? Why replace someone who may be old in years but who does a fabulous job. Why replace him when the alternative is nothing but poor, conservative policy that has been proven a failure by Bush, Cheny and others. Dingell represents the ideals of the people in his district, Steele does not. Dingell respects the people in his district, while Steele likes to insult us by insinuating that we have always voted for someone who never campaigned or talks to his constituents. Congressman Dingell reaches out to people in his district more than any other elected official in this area. He cares, he listens and he delivers.
robyn
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.
Previous post should have said 'congress' rather than senate...
truthspeak
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 1:09 p.m.
Congressman Dingell has done a terrific job as our congressman and should most definitely be returned to office. Not only does he work hard but he is genuine and highly motivated to help the American people. We are privileged to be represented by someone who sticks his neck out for issues that may be currently unpopular with some (health care reform) but is absolutely necessary. Dingell running an aggressive campaign when he doesnt need to just shows that he appreciates his constituents and he does not take their support for granted. Rob Steele is the epitome of the republicans that have destroyed our economy. He wants to return to the conservative politics that let Wall Street run wild, that wants to privatize social security and that supports corporate interests over the public interests. Voting for Rob Steele is a vote for Bush conservative politics, the same politics that have caused the biggest recession (near depression) in the past century.
UgottaBkidding
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:59 p.m.
Dingell has to be voted out.He's too old and too encrusted in his old ways. How typical of Dems to try to instill class-warfare, as if being rich is a sin and profiting from one's own business is to be looked down upon. If he is rich, more power to him. he earned it honestly and should be commended for his talent and shame on everyone for besmirking him. Remember that it's the rich who generate work, so stop this nonsense.
Aleta Jackson
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.
I am typically not inclined to get involved in such banter, but I feel that I must share some insight. Everyone who has taken their time to post a comment, is, no doubt, passionate about this race. I would, however, like you to know that I have worked on campaigns for many, many years and Congressman Dingell has campaigned each and every election cycle like it is his first. As a volunteer, I can tell you from experience that no race has ever been more important than the other to him or to his supporters. He is as hard a working campaigner as he is a legislator. Like him or not, his hard work and the hard work of his team cannot be questioned. If the Democratic Party has made it appear that there is concern about Congressman Dingell's race, so be it. There always has been.
Kevin Shopshire
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:51 p.m.
Im a 20-year navy veteran, and I appreciate what Congressman John Dingell has done for veterans. Thats why the VA hospital in Detroit is called the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center. He did that with never being a member of the Senate or even being a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Go John Dingell!
Speechless
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.
By "running scared," in his heavily Democratic district, Dingell's organization is doing its part to motivate a higher turnout for liberal-leaning voters in support of Bernero, Lawrence and others running statewide campaigns. Rob Steele, who sips tea with the likes of Sean Hannity, provides a good foil to help energize this strategy.  Let there be a luxury car in every boat house!
rdavis5399
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.
Can we say term Limits. No one should be in office that long. Dingle inherited the seat and is grooming his son to take his place. He long ago lost touch with his constituants or he would not have authered the health bill. People wake up don,t just vote for a name you are used to. Give us some new blood in congress. How much worse could they do.
Ray D. Aider
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.
Don't get so confident....there is a GREAT BIG empty factory in Ypsilanti....and a lot of people suddenly have a lot of time on their hands and have discovered WAAM radio and FOX news. You can laugh at that now...but believe it later.
Don Roberts
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.
I am furious with John Dingell. I am a proud 8 year Marine veteran. I don't like what he doing to the United States Armed Forces as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I am an independent voter and will vote against him in the fall. Go Rob Steele!
treetowncartel
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:28 p.m.
It is great to live in a prescint that has about 2% turnout to primaries so I can watch this man go forward to another term. Top Cat and Rusty, maybe, just maybe, those Dems voting for Snyder will be lazy enough to go for the straight republican ticket and prove you wrong.
Top Cat
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:10 p.m.
"Dingell will have the seat until he retires/dies, then his wife will take over. Tough cookies for y'all." Rusty is correct. That was hard to say.
Mick52
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.
John Dingell's retirement is way overdue. In early 2008, he proposed a $.50 raise in federal gasoline tax. Thankfully no one in Congress listens to him, gas rose to over $4/gallon in July '08 all by itself. Imagine gas at $4.50/gallon. See: http://www.michiganliberal.com/diary/11881/ The Dem leadership doesn't find him effective anymore either. He was removed from his chairmanship of the House Energy Committee. See: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/20/AR2008112001778.html He has represented Detroit auto manufactures and unions. The state of that industry indicates his effectiveness too - failing. To get Michigan back on the map as the primary auto state, the very things Dingell has been protecting need to change, so that some city down south does not become he new "Motor City." The health care law is not an "historic accomplishment." It raises HC costs and was barely passed - over opposition by democrats. It was poorly done and will be "reformed." What we need in Congress is a mandatory retirement age, which Rep Dingell reached 14 years ago. Sure he will probably be re-elected due to the demographics of his district. I'm sure the democrats could have come up with a better candidate.
NO-TREAD-ZONE
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 12:04 p.m.
Doesn't anyone find the fact that Dingell's opponent, a 52-year-old man, wasn't even born when Dingell first rode into Congress on his father's coat tails? That is just utterly ridiculous. Come on John, time to give up the ghost and let some new blood in. TERM LIMITS NOW!!!
rusty shackelford
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 11:33 a.m.
Only in politics could a 52 year old man be described as "young." Have fun in the comments now, folks, it's totally irrelevant. Dingell will have the seat until he retires/dies, then his wife will take over. Tough cookies for y'all.
robyn
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.
And Dingell was practically born and raised in the Senate - then he ascended to the 'throne' --- yeah - that's MY reality too...
Martin Church
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 11:24 a.m.
Talk about out of touch. I am will be unemployed at the end of the month in part because of the bad representation of Dingell and his cronies in the house. since 2006 when the Democrats regained control of the house and Senate, I have seen a reduction of my income by 30% loss of healthcare and vacation. Now with the republican tax cuts of 2001 expiring I am looking at an increase of my taxes. Dingel Taxed the rich and I paid for it. My income has now gone from $40,000 per year to $0.00. and in two years my tax bill will extend beyond 60% of my income. I can no longer afford 1955 congressmen ideas. Dingell it is time you followed by friend William D. Ford and retire.
Ray D. Aider
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 11:23 a.m.
Then he should come front and center with it. He should remind us, all of his constituents, how wonderful it is.......like all the other Democrats all over the country who endorsed it are doing right now.... NOT!!!
cinnabar7071
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 11:18 a.m.
"Congressman Dingell is dedicated to continuing his hard work for the 15th District and fighting to make sure all the people in the 15th District will remain well taken care of" Well taken care of? I was brought up to believe we take care of ourselves, since when is it the gov't job to take care of us? Just more Democratic entitlement mentallity. We've had enough, time for Dingle to retire.
Kevin Shopshire
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 11:11 a.m.
There's a script? How do I get one? I stand by what I wrote John Dingell is campaigning on the health care insurance reform bill. After all, it was an historic accomplishment that will help millions of Americans.
Ray D. Aider
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.
John Dingell should campaign on the Heath Care Reform bill. After all he wrote it. What's the matter John? If I wrote it, I would be proud of it.
Joe Hood
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.
@Kevin Shopshire: check your script, you're not supposed to talk about out of state funding when you're trying to defend Dingell. Was it three quarters of his funding came from out-of state?
Zora K.
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 10:46 a.m.
Steele has the audacity to succeed independently in Michigan, despite the Dems best efforts to hinder all working people here...so the Dems slam him for his success. Steele's done everything right: Educated at our fine schools, working hard and hiring locally, sending his children to public school, enjoying the fine auto heritage Michigan has. He's a model for what we hope Michigan can be for our children. He's the type of fresh leader we need in Washington.
Kevin Shopshire
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 10:33 a.m.
John Dingell has always ran a strong and aggressive campaign no matter the opponents or what the polls say. After getting a close look at Mr. Steele, it just seems that this is something to stoke his already huge ego, and now he appears to be buying into the bunk he has a chance. Is there anything Steele will not do to bring attention to himself? Congressman Dingell is dedicated to continuing his hard work for the 15th District and fighting to make sure all the people in the 15th District will remain well taken care of and well represented. This would not happen if Steele went to Washington. I dont even think he knows where the 15th District is with parades in Saline, billboards in Southgate and out of state money. Democrats across the country are putting forward strong campaigns to make sure Republicans do not have the opportunity to take this economy backwards into the Bush recession.
John of Saline
Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 9:58 a.m.
Remember, kids, working hard to do well isn't a good thing, according to the left. You're supposed to work hard to pay taxes!