CMU professor hopes to challenge Rogers

Susan Grettenberger, an associate professor and director of social work at CMU, on Wednesday announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the seat at a Lansing church.

The 8th Congressional District covers all of Livingston and Ingham counties, and a portion of Oakland County.

Grettenberger on Wednesday discussed “a theme of economic populism and giving voice to everyday Americans,” according to a news release.

“It’s time to give hardworking families a true voice in Congress. Nobody should work full time and not get a living wage that allows them to put a roof over their head, put food on the table, and provide good education for their kids,” she said in a statement.

“I’m running for Congress to represent your interests, not special interests — and will fight every day in Washington to provide economic security to everyday Americans,” Grettenberger added.

She is chairwoman of the Lansing Board of Ethics and is a trainer for domestic-violence-prevention volunteers.

Grettenberger accused Rogers of supporting the interests of “millionaires and big corporations” over those of working-class families.

She said Rogers has spent more time supporting National Security Agency surveillance programs than supporting constituents.

Rogers has said the NSA programs have thwarted multiple attempted terrorist attacks and helped keep Americans safe since 9/11.

Former Michigan demographer Ken Darga in January announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the congressional seat.

Darga, an Oakland County native and current Lansing resident, recently retired from his position as state demographer to run for Congress.

Rogers’ office said the congressman won’t comment on Democratic candidates for the seat until the Aug. 5 primary determines the Democratic nominee.

“Until that primary election is resolved six months from now, Congressman Rogers will remain focused on Michigan’s economy, undoing the harmful fallout to Michigan families from ‘Obamacare’ and his important work as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee,” Kelsey Knight, Rogers’ spokeswoman, said in an email.

Rogers has consistently and easily gained re-election after first winning the office in 2000. He’s become increasingly well-known nationwide since his appointment as chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in 2010.