How a “fiercely independent” political underdog is winning over voters left and right
NORTHERN, Mich. — Over 300 campaign events in a year. Thirty-six counties. Over 50,000 miles on the campaign trail. Nearly 450,000 likely voters. What will it take to flip Michigan's 1st District? Dr. Bob Lorinser (D, MI1) intends to find out.
"Make no mistake. To win, we need to work hard to get our message out," says Dr. Lorinser. "If we maintain momentum, hit our fundraising goals, and continue to garner grassroots support from people of all walks of life, this will be one of the most exciting races in Michigan, if not the country."
Large corporations, PACs, and dark money fund incumbent Rep. Jack Bergman's campaign, unlike Dr. Bob's individual contributors from voters in the District. Lorinser is inevitably out-funded, but not by much.
"We have momentum, and [Bergman] does not," says Dr. Bob. "I'm counting on increased voter turnout and the galvanization of voters ready for change. By myself, I won't win, but together, we will. Our grassroots campaign is successful because of the generosity of citizens who believe in democracy, honesty, and integrity."
Lorinser says he's not interested in pulling the District to the left or the right. "I intend to lead us forward," he says. "I want my grandchildren to be proud that we won by fighting for universal values and supporting what's best for all Yoopers and Northern Michiganders."
Winning Variables
Although Democrats outnumber Republicans by 10% (45% vs 35% with 20% Independents), since 2012 Democratic candidates have been outvoted by a similar margin. Lorinser says it's time to return to Rep. Bart Stupak's 18 years of service when Democrats had a 10-point advantage. Lorinser believes he's the right candidate at the right time to recapture the difference by rallying his base, appealing to independents, and offering conservatives a better alternative to dishonesty and division.
Early voting data and internal polling shows Lorinser could benefit from a 22 pt. advantage compared to 2020.
"Bergman has doubled down on his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection," said Lorinser.. “Voters are yearning for honesty in politics, and my opponent has lost a lot of credibility and trust."
Lorinser's credentials and reputation have earned him enthusiastic support from state officials and organizing committees, attracting some of the best field operatives, firms, and political experts in the Midwest. Dr. Bob's campaign manager, Kevin Numerick, has turned around races by more significant deficits in similar districts across the country.
"Dr. Bob's opponent is spending hundreds of thousands of tax-payer dollars on misleading self-promotional mailers," said Numerick. "They may have an unethical windfall of money, but we have hundreds of volunteer canvassers putting in long hours, letting voters know there's a much better option on the ballot this year."
Every week, Dr. Bob's team has tens of thousands of meaningful conversations with all kinds of voters, from liberals to conservatives and everyone in between.
"We are still the underdog," admits Dr. Lorinser. "But, every hardworking 1st District resident knows that's exactly the fuel needed to surmount big obstacles. Through Northern Michigan and UP grit, my goal is to earn voters' respect and trust."
Lorinser says he's confident he'll also earn the necessary votes to make history and flip the seat "if voters have a fair opportunity to compare me with my opponent."
"I want every voter to evaluate the character, principles, qualifications, and positions of who they vote for,” says Dr. Bob. “When they do, I think we stand a good chance of winning. That is why Bergman refuses to publicly debate. It will be the honor of my life to serve Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in the US House of Representatives."
Help push Lorinser over the finish line so we can get a doctor in the House.
