DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Debbie Dingell kicked off her campaign for her husband's Michigan congressional seat Friday, telling a crowd in Dearborn she knows "just how big" his shoes are.
Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., 88, who announced his retirement this week, entered the House in 1955 when his future wife was a year old and is the longest-serving member. He succeeded his father, John Dingell Sr., who was served from 1933 to his death.
Debbie Dingell, 60, spoke to supporters at a Panera Bread restaurant in Dearborn, the Detroit News reported. She planned afternoon events in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
"There is no one in this district -- no one -- who has a better sense of just how big his shoes will be to fill, because I'm the one who does the shoe shopping," she said.
Dingell, a member of the Democratic National Committee and the Wayne State University board of governors, said her major issues are education and jobs. She is the first candidate to announce for the Aug. 5 Democratic primary.
"I want to be there when jobs, manufacturing and the trade policy that affects Michigan businesses -- large and small -- are discussed," she said.
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