Rep. Kilpatrick seeking 8th term

DETROIT, May 10 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, the mother of disgraced former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, announced Monday she is running for re-election.

Kilpatrick faces challenges from state Sen. Hansen Clark and the Rev. Glenn Plummer in the Democratic primary election as she seeks an eighth term, the Detroit Free Press reported.

"I'm here to fight one more time," Kilpatrick said.

"We're ready for the challenge."

The congresswoman later said she's trying to raise money to help her son pay court-ordered $1 million in restitution.

"Kwame will have to do what he has to do," she said. "Of course, I'm his

mom. I'd like to see it go away."

The convicted ex-mayor, whose six years in office were plagued by scandal and accusations of corruption, is to learn May 25 if he'll be sent back to jail for hiding assets that could go toward restitution.

He has announced a public fundraiser for himself.

Kilpatrick resigned Sept. 18, 2008, after pleading guilty to felony obstruction of justice.