(J. Scott Applewhite/AP)Little-known Rep. Thaddeus McCotter of Michigan on Friday called on Americans to "Seize Freedom" via his newly unveiled presidential campaign website following reports the conservative Republican is planning to officially enter the 2012 race. Advisers to McCotter told USA Today Thursday that the lawmaker will kick off his presidential campaign Saturday in his home state of Michigan. He will make his plans official today, Politico reports, by filing presidential paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and other reports indicate the announcement will be made Saturday in his home of Livonia.
As The Ticket has reported, McCotter has been inserting himself into 2012 discussions, even going so far as to offer some less-than-friendly advice to members of the burgeoning 2012 GOP field.
His representative made a scene at last week's preparation for the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa. Kellie Paschke, an Iowa-based conservative lobbyist working informally with McCotter, attempted to participate in the traditional "buy-in" for the poll (an auction where campaigns bid on plots of land on which to host straw poll supporters) without identifying for whom she was bidding.
After participants stormed out in protest, Paschke identified herself and successfully bid $18,000 to secure a plot for the Aug. 13, 2011 event for McCotter.
In the run-up to his campaign rollout this weekend, McCotter has been talking to the press about themes he hopes the build his campaign around: fiscal discipline, challenges created by globalism, and core Republican principles including smaller government.
McCotter pledged on ABC's politics webcast "Top Line" last week to offer blunt honesty to the American people. "I have no doubt that if I run I will be reviled across the country in many quarters," he said, arguing that unlike other candidates he won't change his position to suit a particular audience. The lawmaker said voters "have to hear an honest difference of opinion."
McCotter has served as a Michigan congressman since 2003 but holds virtually no national profile--a major obstacle for his projected presidential run. He is known for holding staunchly conservative positions as well for his willingness to buck his party on issues of importance to his home state and on proposals he believes defy his core principals, such as the financial bailout.
And for all those lamenting the absence of bass player Mike Huckabee from the 2012 race, take heart--McCotter is an avid guitarist.
