◼ Vowing to "restructure the government," Congressman Thad McCotter formally announced his candidacy for president at a festival in his home state of Michigan Saturday. - CNN
◼ McCotter launches campaign for GOP presidential nomination
Thaddeus McCotter, a Livonia congressman, announced to a Michigan rock festival crowd Saturday he's seeking the Republican nomination for president, saying the future of the country is not big government but self government.◼ 10 facts about Thaddeus McCotter and his run for president - Alaska Dispatch
Joined on stage with his wife and two children (a third was at work — something, he said, all Americans should have the opportunity to do), McCotter laid out his principles of liberty, sovereignty, security and prosperity to a festival crowd of more than 400 people who were unsure about his presidential chances.
"While it is a hard road ahead, we will have better days and we will start now," McCotter said....
Immediately after the speech, McCotter picked up his American flag themed guitar and jammed with the band for a song.
McCotter, a lawyer and author who is serving his fifth term in Congress, is considered a long shot in the GOP nomination. He faces serious challenges in fundraising and national name recognition, compared to challengers like Michigan native, Mitt Romney, and tea party darling Michele Bachmann.
But supporters say it will be his message of small government will resonate and his Michigan roots and manufacturing support will change the dialog in the campaign.
◼ Guitar-Playing Congressman Officially Announces White House Run - FOX
◼ Thaddeus McCotter on Facebook