U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Howell, 47, Republican, a lifelong resident of Livingston County, married with two children, is running for reelection to Congress.
He served as U.S. Rep. for Michigan’s 8th District, 2001 to present; formerly U.S. Army officer, FBI Special Agent, Michigan Senator, and small business owner
“My first priority is to strengthen Michigan’s economy and get our state back on the right track,” he said. “As someone with a small business background, I know the reason employers are still struggling is that Washington, D.C. has injected an unprecedented amount of uncertainty into our economy. In order to get our economy moving again, we must get government out of the way so small businesses ? the lifeblood of Michigan’s economy ? can begin creating jobs again.”
First step to get government out of the way must be to reign in Washington, D.C.’s out-of-control spending spree. America’s largest-ever federal deficit, more than $1.4 trillion this year alone, has slowed our economy and suffocated job growth. Record borrowing to fund hundreds of new government programs is making it harder for employers to get the credit they need to grow and create jobs.
“At a time when so many Michigan families are struggling to make ends meet, it is unconscionable that federal spending has increased 85 percent over the last three years,” he said. “If Michigan families have to live within a budget, so too must the federal government. Simply put, the most important action Congress can take next year to improve our economy is to restore fiscal sanity in Washington, D.C.”
Challenger Lance Enderle of East Lansing, 41, is a Democrat, born and raised in Lansing, single, parent of two children and grandparent to one grandchild.
He is a special education and alternative education teacher, coach, and mentor; currently a Masters candidate at Michigan State University majoring in Special Education.
His top priorities are economy, jobs, education, and environment.
‘The high unemployment and lack of jobs are the first issue that needs to be addressed. Next, the improper funding of our public schools needs to be addressed, as well as unrealistic expectations that have been established to determine school success,? he said.
Also, home foreclosure is a current issue facing Michigan residents, there needs to be safe guards put in place that will help families stay in their homes during these tough economic times.
“I am not a politician; I am a citizen, teacher, parent, and a grandparent,” he said. “I have a personal understanding of the challenges most Michigan citizens face daily. I am an individual that demands accountability, especially from myself and will make myself accessible to all of my constituents. My constituents will always have access when they need to be heard.”
Challenger Bhagwan Dashairya of Westland, 72, is a Libertarian, 30+ living in community with his wife, Urmil, and children Deepak, Rajiv, and Kiran, working as a management consultant.
His top three priorities are jobs, jobs, jobs ? budget, taxes, create jobs by reducing taxes, deficit, and government regulations.
“I believe in individual liberty from government, taxes, and government regulations,” he said.