The Bailey Campaign Official Press Release ...

"Chairman Derek Bailey Withdraws From Congressional Race And Will Seek Michigan’s 101st House District
April 23, 2012 (Suttons Bay, MI)
Chairman Derek Bailey announced today that he is ending his six month campaign to seek the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s First Congressional office. Bailey instead will pursue Michigan’s 101st House District seat as a Democratic candidate.
“After a six month campaign where we were successful in reaching out to many voters in the District we are withdrawing from the congressional race,” said Chairman Bailey. “There are several factors that went into my decision. The biggest one is that my campaign got into the process late in the game, resulting in not having enough time to effectively raise dollars in a campaign that is going to require a million plus dollars to be competitive. We have notified Gary McDowell of our decision and wish him well in the general election in defeating Dan Benishek.”
Bailey will now turn his attention to Michigan’s 101st House District (Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee and Mason counties).

“During my tenure as Tribal Chairman several business and community leaders asked that I seek the congressional seat. Ironically while I was on the campaign trail I heard from many who said I was needed to run in Michigan’s 101st District,” said Bailey. “I am heeding that call today and focusing my attention on unseating Ray Franz who currently represents the 101st District. We differ on many issues and those will come forward during the course of the campaign. Certainly his vote against tourism promotion was not in the best interest of this important industry in our District. Even his colleagues here in Northern Michigan all supported the bill to fund tourism promotion.”

Bailey plans to pursue the First Congressional District office at some point in the future -- a decision that is supported by several within the Democratic Party including Gary McDowell.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) and Gary McDowell all released statements today on Derek Bailey’s decision. Each of the statements follow:

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee :
In response to Bailey’s decision, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee issued the following statement:

“Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey has built a well-deserved reputation as a leader and tireless advocate for Northern Michigan, and he will be the voice middle class families and workers can count on in the Michigan House,” said Haley Morris of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

“From his work helping Michigan businesses succeed and create jobs to fighting to protect Great Lakes and natural resources, Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey has distinguished himself through the rare trait of listening and building bridges to strengthen Northern Michigan. He will be the champion Northern Michigan needs in Lansing.”

MDP:
"Chairman Derek Bailey ran a strong, positive and issue-based Congressional campaign of which all Democrats can be proud and we thank him for that great effort," said MDP Chair Mark Brewer. "He is an articulate and thoughtful Northern Michigan leader, as well as a recognized leader in the Michigan Democratic Party. Derek has a bright future and we look forward to working with him again."

Gary McDowell:

“It’s always been clear that standing up for middle class families is why Derek is seeking public office, and why he will be a strong advocate for Northern Michigan in the Michigan House of Representatives," said Gary McDowell. “Chairman Bailey will be a leader in Lansing who will continue his work to grow the economy in Northern Michigan, protect our Great Lakes and ensure that regular working people have a voice.”"