At the 5th annual Univ. of Michigan College Democrats Pancake Breakfast this morning, U.S. Representative John Dingell (MI-15) made this awesome announcement:
I intend to continue to be on the forefront of these issues. So, my dear friends, I’m going to file again!
Great news for Michigan. Great news for those interested in comprehensive health care reform. And great news for the country as a whole.
More pictures and a full write-up after the jump.
With many members of Congress calling it a day and deciding not to run, Congressman Dingell’s announcement is welcome news. He has, as most know, been a solid Democratic leader on the issue of health care reform. At 83, Rep. Dingell is the longest-serving person in Congress today. He has introduced a single-payer health care bill every single year since he took over from his father in 1955. His appearance at the College Dems’ fundraiser gave it some welcome media attention and fired up these students to keep fighting for reform and to get Democrats elected in Michigan.
More on this can be found at the Detroit Free Press:
He made the announcement this morning before a group of University of Michigan student Democrats in Ann Arbor, saying he can’t walk away at a time when the economy is still reeling, environmental protections are needed andhealth care reform legislation has come as far as it has.“These are challenges this nation must confront,” he said. “I think it is time for all hands on deck.”
Rep. Dingell’s wife (“the lovely Debbie” as he calls her) was also there and pitched in to help make breakfast.
Debbie Dingell lands a hand
It was a very good crowd and the College Dems are clearly fired up and ready to go.
College Dems getting petition signatures
Michigan Speaker Pro Tempore, Pam Byrnes, who is now running for state Senate in the 18th District, was in attendance. Note the College Dems shirt: “Democrats make better lovers”. Love it!
House Speaker Pro-Tempore Pam Byrnes
Rep. Pam Byrnes with Congressman Dingell
Here’s the back of the shirt:
Also in attendance were a number of state Representatives like Kate Segal (62nd District) and Rebekah Warren (53rd District)
Rep. Rebekah Warren of Ann Arbor
Executive Director of Organizing for America (OFA) in Michigan, Aletheia Henry, came to give her support as well.
Aletheia Henry (left) and friends
Ypsilanti OFA Volunteer Community Organizer (and good friend) Tad Wysor came and the two of us spent a great deal of time talking about mass transit and the year ahead for us volunteer leaders in OFA.
Tad Wysor and friend
Finally, a big shout out to the Arbor Brewing Company (my second home ;) and the owners, Rene and Matt Greff, shown here with Congressman Dingell.
If the turnout for this event is any indication, the College Dems in the Ann Arbor are will be an active force to help Congressman Dingell be re-elected this fall. It’s not easy getting college students out and about early on a Saturday but these young people are organized, energized and active. They are a solid group and I’m thrilled that people like them represent the future of Democrats in our state
Rep. Dingell and come College Dem friends
I’m just sayin’…
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