Stupak: Houghton County voters energized in historic election

By U. S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee)

WASHINGTON, D. C. -- This year we have witnessed a truly historic election. From Saginaw Bay to the most northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, voters across the First District are energized and excited in a way that we have not seen for years. Times are tough now in northern Michigan, but we are tougher. Voters and volunteers are demonstrating that they are willing to fight for our middle class and protect our way of life.

From union halls to campaign headquarters, to people volunteering independently in their own neighborhoods, our campaign has seen an unprecedented surge in support and interest. Long-time voters are volunteering and new voters have signed up by the thousands. Hundreds of residents have registered to vote in Houghton County, which now holds the distinction of having the second most newly-registered voters per capita in the state of Michigan.

During my last trip to the Keweenaw Peninsula one week ago, I visited Houghton to walk door-to-door and talk with voters about their concerns. Braving our sometimes cool U.P. weather, more than 30 volunteers came together to pound the pavement for our Democratic candidates and talk to their neighbors about the challenges facing the First District, our state and our country.*

I am committed to the aggressive grassroots campaign that I have always run. After witnessing the energy and excitement of our volunteers, I have no doubt we will reach an unprecedented number of voters with our message of support for the middle class, reform of our healthcare system and a responsible government that works for each and every one of us. I look forward to working with a new administration to tackle these challenges facing our country and I ask for your continued support on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

*Editor's Note: U. S. Congressman Bart Stupak spoke in Houghton at the recent meeting celebrating funding for the Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) SmartZone. Read the Keweenaw Now article, which includes a short videoclip from Mr. Stupak's speech. Read more about Bart Stupak and see endorsements of his re-election from major Michigan newspapers on the Congressman's campaign Web site, Bart Stupak for Congress.