An alternative candidate in Michigan's 1st Congressional District-Derek Bailey

[Kaleva]

Derek Bailey is the tribal chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He is running against former state representative Gary McDowell who won the nomination in 2010 but lost badly in the general election.

Here below is a link to an interesting article about Derek Bailey and the race:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-horn/in-northern-michigan-demo_1_b_1392864.html

Here is a link to Mr. Bailey's campaign website:

http://derekbaileyforcongress.com/

A link to his ActBlue page. You'll notice that he's raised $35.00 from two people so far at that site. I'm one of them.

https://secure.actblue.com/entity/fundraiser/29606

To be honest, Mr. Bailey's chances of winning the nomination is very slim. His opponent, Gary McDowell, is an establishment Democrat who already has endorsements from Nancy Pelosi, The UAW and has the full support of the DCCC and state's Democratic Party leadership. But I believe Mr. Bailey deserves the chance to get his message out and we voters here in the 1st ought to have a choice. Otherwise, the nomination is already decided by those in position of power months before the primary election is held.

I understand many here cannot afford to donate any money at all. Others want to concentrate their limited funds to races in their area. But there may be a few who can help support Mr. Bailey's campaign.

I'm posting this here in GD for higher visibility but will cross post it in the Michigan group and will also post it in Daily Kos.

Edited to correct spelling errors.

[Kaleva]

1. Three supporters at ActBlue for Derek Baily now

janatallow over at Daily Kos wrote this:

"Last month I and my husband retired to Traverse City year round. Over the years, I have had occasion to see Derek Bailey in action and have come to admire his leadership and his commitment to his own and the broader community. I think he has the experience, heart and charisma that make him an excellent candidate who would represent and fight for the values of the democratic party. This may not be a winnable campaign for him, but an investment that helps give him exposure would be well worth it. I have made a donation."

[Kaleva]

2. Another article about Derek Bailey

"When I asked Bailey what his proudest moments have been thus far, he quickly listed meeting President Obama three times, his appointment to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education last year, his accomplishments as chair of the Grand Traverse Band, and signing the memorandum of understanding with the Coast Guard. But then he focused on a congratulatory card he received — and still has — from the elders of the Grand Traverse Band upon getting his Associate’s degree from Glen Oaks Community College near Three Rivers, Mich."

http://glenarborsun.com/tag/derek-bailey/

[Kaleva]

3. A site that shows where donations to Bailey, McDowell and Benishek come from

http://www.fec.gov/disclosurehs/HSCandList.do

Over half the money Repub Benishek has received is from PACs. A third of the money Democrat candidate McDowell has gotten is from PACs. Bailey's percentage from such sources is zilch.

At McDowell's website, there's an article touting how his campaign has raised over $600,000.00 from over 1600 "grassroots" supporters. That would be roughly $400.00 per person but of course a sizeable percentage of that $600k comes from PACs headquartered in the D.C. area.

Take away the PAC money and Bailey's on a much more level playing field.

[Kaleva]

4. Derek Bailey challenges Gary McDowell to a series of debates

From Derek Bailey's Facebook page:

"There is much discussion about debates circulating on Facebook. I am willing to debate Gary McDowell. We differ on several issues and I believe it is our obligation to the voters to let them see and hear first hand where we stand on the issues.

Tonight I am officially challenging Gary McDowell to a series of debates.

I am suggesting tonight that there be a series of debates. At least three including one that would be co-hosted by TV stations in the District. Another two debates that would be aired on radio in the District.

These debates be moderated by members of the media.

We owe this to the voters!

Derek J. Bailey"

http://www.facebook.com/derekbailey4congress