The Detroit News reports that Congressman Thad McCotter (R-MI) is leaving the 2012 race after failing to meet the criteria to participate in any of the debates thus far.
“If they keep you out of the debates, you are out of the conversation and you can’t run,” McCotter said. “It was sort of death by media.”
McCotter said he will give his support to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the Michigan native, and will likely run again for the 11th District congressional seat he’s held since 2003.
McCotter said he would back Romney after the Massachusetts governor made it clear he wouldn’t seek a federal health care overhaul like the one Massachusetts adopted when he was governor. “Especially with his business background and in a stagnant economy, he may be the most electable,” McCotter said.
He likes Romney rival Texas Gov. Rick Perry, but said the country isn’t ready for another Texas president so soon after President George W. Bush. “He may be a vice presidential nominee,” McCotter said.
I didn’t see his campaign having the ability to make a dent with the current field. He’s a nice guy, he’s wonkish, and he has a great sense humor. Outside of people who follow politics and his own district though – no one knew him. Regarding his endorsement of Mitt Romney, I have always thought that endorsements say more about the endorsee than those who are being endorsed. If he’s ok trusting Romney’s word about health care reform he’s far more trusting than I am. Romney’s changed his position on any number of items so many times I have whiplash.
Photo by Dave Davidson – http://prezography.com