Michigan Congressman Hansen Clarke wants to stop a state takeover of Detroit by getting Washington to authorize a federal bailout.
Clarke, a Detroit Democrat, said March 15 that he knows it's a long shot in the Republican-controlled Congress, "but we've got to work to bring resources back to the city. I understand the political reality, but I can't accept that things can't change."
Talking with reporters, Clarke said he plans to ask Governor Rick Snyder to hold off on implementing a consent agreement or appointing an emergency manager until he can at least ask for money from Washington. Initial assistance would come in the form of a grant that wouldn't have to be repaid.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Clarke's proposal came a day before he officially kicked off his re-election campaign at an event at the Detroit Historical Museum.
He faces a tough fight against U.S. Representative Gary Peters, a Bloomfield Township Democrat who has secured most of the key labor endorsements. Also in the race are Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence and former state Representative Mary Waters of Detroit.
"I've had to defeat three incumbents in my career, and I've never gotten the union endorsements, but I've had the support of the union members," Clarke said. "Our campaign will take care of itself."