Congressman Gary Peters, Michigan-9
Gary Peters served as a Lieutenant Commander and a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist in the United States Navy Reserve. His reserve duty included time in the Persian Gulf supporting Operation Southern Watch, and he served overseas during increased military activity following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. During his service he received numerous awards and citations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Elected to the State Senate in 1994, Peters was voted by his Senate colleagues to serve as Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus. While in the Senate, he served as the ranking Democrat on the Finance, Education, Judiciary, Natural Resources, and Families and Mental Health Committees. He later was appointed by the Governor to run the Michigan State Lottery. Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, Lottery revenues were in a four-year slump and sales had declined by nearly $50 million per year. Under Peters' leadership, the Lottery experienced a dramatic turnaround.
Various media outlets have praised Peters. He has been called a "lone ranger" in the fight against special interests. The Oakland Press called Peters "one of the 'doers' in the Senate"….and noted that he is "bright, energetic and sensible." The Detroit News described him as "an All-American guy" who is "…intelligent, articulate and genuine, and in politics for what he can give, not what he can get". They also praised his record as "a thoughtful and effective legislator who placed the interests of his district ahead of partisan politics"….while The Detroit Free Press recognized his "breadth of experience as a lawyer, legislator, businessman and legal arbitrator."
Peters' campaign for Congress is widely considered one of the top races in the country, as the former Republican stronghold of Oakland County, MI has turned increasingly Democratic in recent years. He has already generated significant support in the local veterans community, forming a Veterans for Gary Peters group to help spread his message of leadership and change.
Campaign Website: http://www.petersforcongress.com/
Paid for VoteVets Political Action Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. VoteVets Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization which primarily focuses on nonpartisan education and advocacy on behalf veterans and their families. VoteVets Political Action Committee is a federal political committee which primarily helps elect Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran candidates and educates about veterans and military issues aimed at influencing the outcome of the next election.