Michigan Rep. Thaddeus McCotter to jump into Republican presidential race

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) (C) calls on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to schedule a vote on energy legislation during a news conference with Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) (L) and Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) at the U.S. Capitol August 19, 2008 in Washington, DC.

/ Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., will officially launch a bid for the Republican presidential nomination on Saturday, an adviser for McCotter has confirmed to Hotsheet.

The five-term Michigan congressman, who will become the third sitting member of the House to run, will file the necessary paperwork on Friday and formally announce his entrance into the race in Livonia, Michigan, on Saturday evening.

The little-known politician has for months hinted at a possible candidacy: In addition to several trips to early-primary states and an appearance at the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans this month, McCotter recently secured a place in Iowa's crucial Ames Straw Poll, which will take place in August. (The representative reportedly paid $18,000 for the prime spot.)

While McCotter will not have to file fundraising reports until the end of the third quarter, the adviser tells Hotsheet that he will start out the race with a campaign chest in the mid-six figures.

Former Iowa House Speaker Pro Tem Chris Rants will serve as McCotter's senior adviser in Iowa. Mark Corallo, a longtime political communications operative, and Eric Uelind, former chief of staff to Bill Frist, will serve as core members of McCotter's campaign team.

Despite the Republican congressman's relative lack of name recognition, his strong conservative credentials could earn him support in Iowa.

According to the adviser, McCotter was inspired to enter the race after perceiving the discourse as "lacking in the current field."

"He has something to say and has some ideas and some policies to put out there that nobody else is discussing right now," the adviser said. "His presence in the race is going to force these issues and force this discussion that the country has to have right now."

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The narrowing GOP presidential field

[1regnurse]

The way I see it,his no-name status is not a bad thing. That will change though when he tears them a new one in the debates. In case you hadn't noticed the auto manufacturers are doing great, people kept their jobs, expanded employment in some, and paid the money back. Considering the political atmosphere in this country, you have to have a sense of humor and being able to play a musical instrument does not negate intelligence in any way. I love his five tenets and it's about time someone spoke up to remind people why America was great to begin with. He's razor sharp and a solid patriot, which is more than I can say about alot of them on capitol hill. Oh and incidentally, the Patriot Act was a necessary measure so that the good guys can catch the bad guys BEFORE the bombs go off. I think he's probably the only guy that can beat the left-wing liberal machine. Hold on because it's just about to get interesting!

[catmomtx]

WOW!!! I lived in Oakland County Michigan for 15 years and never heard of this guy.

[lucilioness]

LOSER. Nobody wants a bald or fat (Chris Cristy) president. Jus sayin.

[1regnurse]

Only a "LOSER" would hold the future of our country hostage to a 34" waist and a full head of hair. Jus sayin.

[X2670]

Thaddeus....you're wasting your time. The Republican Circus Clown Tent is full.

[bigsk8fan]

most people in michigan don't even know who Thad is!

[retm-w]

Who?

[pasha128]

You missed some of his tirades from the house floor. For those of you who do not know Thaddeus McCotter he's a wannabe version of Newt Gingrich -- all the pomposity and light on experience. Like Geoege W Bush he inherited his political career from his parents -- mother specifically. Born and bred as a politician a total party insider.

[pasha128]

As one of McCotter's dissatisified constituents this is both a blessing and joke. Hopefully he will give up his congressional seat since his focus will continue to be as it has been throughout his public life -- on Republican policy positions and not those of ALL the constituents he represents. On the other hand who needs a president that thinks his role will be that comparable to the Republican Party Chairman which is the only position he has been qualified to perform for over a decade now.

[michaelz06]

At this point, if most outside your own district don't have a clue who you are, your chances are about as good as the proverbial snowball in hades....waste of time, waste of money, and not something the Republicans need.

[antoniof123]

Who is this guy and what has he done?

[velma179]

Cue the videos.

This man is not, shall we say, a shrinking violet when it comes to phony political outrage.

Maybe he will have something to offer, but he is probably just coming in to take the "I'm a policy guy" role that Gingrich has squandered.