Voters are getting a good glimpse of the vigor Dr. Lorinser will deploy throughout the campaign.
CHIPPEWA, Mich. — With over a year to the 2022 general election and nearly 290 days to the primary, Dr. Bob is regularly traveling across the district to meet with communities, interview with local journalists, accept endorsements, engage voters, and thank donors.
Lorinser, the Democratic Congressional candidate for Northern Michigan and the U.P., is making a significant effort to visit as many counties as possible and spread his message of unity.
Lorinser recently made campaign stops in Emmet, Grand Traverse, Alpena, Schoolcraft, Houghton, Alger, and Charlevoix counties, with check-ins in Dickinson, Alger, and Marquette, to name just a few. He has also been connecting with committees via video conference as often as invited and available.
"It's the largest district east of the Mississippi River," said Dr. Lorinser. "If I get the nod for this Congressional seat, it's important to stay engaged with the constituency, hold town halls, and make myself — or my staff — available in the communities I represent. We might as well get used to the travel commitments now."
Lorinser's team is currently working on a detailed constituent engagement plan, modeled after Fmr. Rep. Bart Stupak, who was known for his ability to solve problems with dedicated staff working on the ground in the district.
Next week, Lorinser will visit Chippewa, Manistee, Marquette, and Gogebic counties. Here are the events open to the public:
Dr. Bob & Peggy Lorinser in the Soo
Mon. Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Island Books & Crafts
101 E. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie
Join Congressional candidate Dr. Bob Lorinser and his wife Peggy on Mon. Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. for a casual meet and greet, speech, and Q&A at Island Books and Crafts in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Masks are encouraged and refreshments will be provided courtesy of Tony Mclain.
This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. Donations are welcome. bit.ly/BobSooBooks
Dr. Bob in Ironwood
Thurs. Oct. 21, 11 a.m.
Ironwood Memorial Building
Women's Club Room, 2nd Floor
213 Marquette St., Ironwood
Meet Congressional candidate Dr. Bob Lorinser at the Ironwood Memorial Building. In the Women's Club Room on the second floor, the Gogebic County Dems will host a meet-and-greet, speech, and Q&A, starting at 11 a.m.
Attendees are encouraged to wear masks. Dr. Bob will be available after the event during a group lunch to discuss issues and policy.
A carpool will be provided for the Watersmeet area, leaving from the Nordines’ Park and Ride lot, departing at 9:45 a.m. bit.ly/GogeBob
Dr. Bob in Manistee (Virtually)
Thurs. Oct. 21, 7 p.m.
West Shore Municipal Building
400 River St., Downtown Manistee
or online at bit.ly/manisteecnty
Congressional candidate Dr. Bob Lorinser will be connecting with Manistee County through Zoom for an introduction to his candidacy and a Q&A. Manistee-area residents are welcome to participate in person at the West Shore Building at 400 River St. downtown starting at 7 p.m.
In a recent Tweet, Lorinser expressed disappointment in Jack Bergman's lack of engagement with the constituency. "Bergman hasn't held a town hall in over four years," said Lorinser. "In his last two elections, he rejected 16 debate invitations, each with multiple proposed dates."
Bergman's last town hall in 2017 didn't go well. Since then, a common complaint by citizens is they're only made aware of Rep. Bergman's appearances in their communities after he's gone.
"We have different philosophies on governance and representation," said Dr. Lorinser. "I'm running on unity, to represent people who agree and disagree with me. If I'm not actively engaged with all voters, how can I listen to and understand their perspectives? It's clear since the last election, my opponent hasn't been listening."
Lorinser says if he's honored to be the next Representative of Northern Michigan, he will work with citizens to develop solutions that best fit their communities' needs.
"At each of my public events, we have carved out ample time for Q&A so I can listen to and learn from each of you. My job is to represent you, not myself."
Lorinser's proposed new district may include three more counties, requiring even more resources for travel and outreach.