Eccentrics: Peters sides with workers

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Peters sides with workers in race against Knollenberg for House

Gary Peters has taken a stance for the working man, calling for economic changes in Oakland County and lashing out at Rep. Joe Knollenberg, his Republican rival for the 9th U.S. House seat.

"I will be a strong voice for the working men and women of Oakland County and will fight to bring and protect high-paying jobs and ensure health care is available," Peters said Wednesday at the Pipe Fitters Local 636 in Farmington Hills.

Peters was joined by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen. Several workers were also in attendance to share their stories of struggle.

"Congressman Knollenberg has partnered with the Bush administration in leveling a disastrous economic policy that has undermined the rights of workers, dished out incentives for companies to invest oversees, and stood idly by, watching the exodus of thousands of Michigan jobs," Peters said.

"Gary Peters is a proven problem solver with a record of results for working families. No one will fight harder on behalf of his constituents and for every Michigan job," Van Hollen said. "Whether it's voting to outsource American jobs or blindly supporting the Iraq war, Joe Knollenberg is one of President Bush's most loyal rubber stamps and is out of touch with the struggles and priorities of working families in this district."

Peters and Van Hollen were joined by Dan Pier, who after 31 years of working for Farmer Jack grocery store lost his job.

"Our current congressman believes that Michigan jobs can not be saved," Pier said. "I do not agree with this. Our present situation calls for someone who will work for us in Washington and in Oakland County and not sit idly by as companies undercut wages and prices while our jobs disappear. We need a change in leadership and I know that Gary Peters will put the priorities of working men and women in Oakland County first."