A regular guy doesn’t need to convince us he’s a ‘regular guy’

Politicians go to great lengths to convince us they’re the right person to represent us. They run folksy television ads, record topical videos on social media, and send countless mail pieces all trying to showcase why they’re one of us and why we need to vote for them.

However, I found myself asking why someone running for Congress needed to convince us he’s just a “regular guy.” I’ve never seen a candidate, especially one being in office for over twenty years, try so hard to convince voters he’s just like the rest of us.

Curtis Hertel has spent over 22 years in office. Climbing the political ladder from local office to the State Senate, and then the Whitmer Administration. That to me doesn’t seem like ‘regular guy’ kind of stuff. That’s a career politician.

Regular guys don’t need to sell their regular guy bona fides. It would be like a car salesman trying to tell you they don’t sell cars while trying to sell you a car. It just doesn’t pass the smell test. 

I’ve engaged a lot more in this election than in previous years. I’ve done my research. I’ve talked to friends, family, and activists. I’m convinced that Tom Barrett, a 22-year Army veteran, father, and legislator who didn’t climb the ladder, is the right choice to be our next Congressman. I encourage those who have yet to decide to consider Tom. He will fight for us as he did for decades in uniform overseas.

Daniel Wells

Mason