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(Jackson, MI) - Brian Rooney, Republican candidate in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, released the following statement today concerning yesterday’s oil spill near Marshall in Calhoun County.

Rooney said, “The recent oil spill near the Kalamazoo River in Calhoun County is a disaster. Swift action must be taken to contain it and clean it up so that our groundwater remains safe and the spill does not reach Lake Michigan. All local, state, and federal resources must be made available immediately to prevent the oil from reaching the Great Lakes and to limit disruptions to wildlife, local residents and businesses. This is not just a “South Central Michigan” issue – the entire state and federal government apparatus must work together for the good of our state and its citizenry in this time of crisis."

He continued, "This is not a time for photo ops and and press conferences. We need all of our leaders to step up and get this disaster resolved. The Governor has called the response 'anemic' and that is unacceptable. After the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, we should be prepared. People want to know the step-by-step plan on how this is going to be cleaned up and fixed. We do not need finger pointing and partisan politics involved in this. We need leaders to step up and keep us informed as to what their immediate plan of action is to protect the citizenry and the environment."

Background on the Talmadge Creek Oil Spill:

  • Approximately 840,000 gallons of oil spilled into Talmadge Creek near Marshall in Calhoun County. - Battle Creek Enquirer
  • The failed pipeline transports oil from Indiana to Sarnia, Ontario. - Battle Creek Enquirer
  • The Kalamazoo River flows 166 miles from its source in Hillsdale and Jackson Counties and flows west to Lake Michigan. - Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
  • The Kalamazoo River watershed includes ten counties including Calhoun, Eaton, Hillsdale, and Jackson Counties in the 7th Congressional District. Communities in the watershed are connected by infrastructure, surface water, and ground water. - Kalamazoo River Watershed Council

For more information on Brian Rooney, please visit www.RUNWITHROONEY.com.

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(Jackson, MI) – The National Rifle Association today announced that Brian Rooney, Republican candidate for Congress in Michigan’s 7th District, received an “AQ” rating. This rating is the highest that a congressional candidate can receive without having previously held elected office.

“As you know, the Second Amendment and our hunting heritage are very important to voters in Michigan and your positions on these issues demonstrate a commitment to the rights of gun owners and sportsmen,” said Charles Cunningham, Director of Federal Affairs.

In accepting the rating, Rooney said, “I am honored to receive this rating from the National Rifle Association. I am a handgun owner, hunter, marksman, and proud member of the NRA. I have defended our freedoms as a United States Marine and constitutional attorney. I look forward to defending our Second Amendment rights in Congress.”

The Michigan Republican Primary is on August 3rd.

Background Information on Brian Rooney

Rooney was a Captain in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. After leaving active duty, Rooney worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life, as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters. Rooney was recently endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

(Jackson, MI) – Alicia Ping, Saline City Council Member, today announced her endorsement of Brian Rooney in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

“I am very excited to endorse Brian Rooney for Congress,” said Ping. “I was not planning on making an endorsement in this primary race but I had a chance to meet Brian in person and I really like what he stands for. I appreciate that he stands for something rather than just voting against everything. It’s definitely refreshing that he understands the issues and has solutions to the problems facing our state and country. Brian wants to create an environment in which job creation is possible – and encouraged – which is exactly what we need.”

Ping continued, “I also greatly admire Brian for his service to our country in the Marine Corps and especially for his service in Iraq. Brian Rooney will be a true statesman and I am confident that he will represent us well.”

In accepting the endorsement, Rooney said, “I am deeply appreciative for Councilwoman Alicia Ping’s endorsement. Communities in Washtenaw County and around our congressional district have been hard hit in these tough economic times. If I am elected in November, I will focus on what Michiganders need and want most – building a strong economy and bringing jobs to our state. I will work with Councilwoman Ping and other local government leaders to craft and advocate for legislation that rewards job creation, investment, and savings. Together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Michigan.”

Rooney was a Captain in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. After leaving active duty, Rooney worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life, as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters. Rooney has been endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

The Michigan Republican Primary is on August 3rd.

Background Information on Saline City Council Member Alicia Ping

Alicia D. Ping was recently elected to her sixth term on the Saline City Council and has served as Mayor Pro-Tem. Alicia was first elected in 1998 and was the first Chinese American ever elected to public office in Saline. She was instrumental in forming the Saline Youth Council which serves as a conduit between local youth and local government. She has also served on the Saline Area Fire Board, Historic District Commission, Special Projects Commission, and the Historic District Study Committee. She has also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Bixby Trust Committee and various other community boards. For the city, she currently serves on the Environmental Commission, Saline Area Senior Center Board, and the Arts and Culture Commission.

Additionally, Alicia has served on the Legislative Affairs Committee for the Michigan Municipal League and the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Environmental Affairs Committee. On the national level, Alicia was elected for a two year term to the National League of Cities Board of Directors in December 2001. While serving as a Board Member, she also served on the Membership Committee as Chairperson, Resolutions Committee, liaison to the International Task Force, and she was appointed to the Nominating Committee for the 2002 and 2003 NLC Congress of Cities Conference. Alicia also served as Vice President of the Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials.

Further, in the fall of 2003, Alicia was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders for a political/education mission to Egypt and Jordan. She spent a week in each country meeting with political and business leaders. While in Jordan, she met with King Abdullah II. Alicia was also awarded an APAICS 2002 Congressional Fellowship through which she spent time in Washington DC shadowing Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn. Alicia has earned both level one and two education awards from the Michigan Municipal League.

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Michigan voters will refresh the state's congressional delegation this fall, filling three seats left open by retirements. Two to three other seats are also considered competitive, meaning our delegation in Washington could look sharply different in January.

Voters should support candidates who would make Congress more responsive to the will of the people and put an end to runaway deficit spending. Here are our choices in the district primaries, excluding those races where only one candidate is on the ballot.

7th District (mid-Michigan): Republicans intend to mount a vigorous challenge to first term Democratic Rep. Mark Schauer of Battle Creek. Of his would-be opponents, the best candidate is Brian Rooney of Dexter, an attorney and former Marine. He would bring a touch of youth to a congressional delegation that is heavy on senior citizens.

This article first appeared in the July 23, 2010 edition of The Detroit News.

Background Information on Brian Rooney

Rooney was a Captain in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. After leaving active duty, Rooney worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life, as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters. Rooney was recently endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

The Michigan Republican Primary is on August 3rd.

(Jackson, MI) – Jessica Ping, Washtenaw County Commissioner, today announced her endorsement of Brian Rooney in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

“I am proud to support Brian Rooney as he fights to build a stronger and more prosperous Michigan,” said Ping. “Brian understands the importance and urgency of helping businesses in our area grow so that we can get people back to work. He knows what needs to be done in Congress and will fight for pro-growth and pro-jobs policies so that we can bring jobs back to Washtenaw County and the rest of our congressional district. Brian Rooney has my full confidence and support."

In accepting the endorsement, Rooney said, “I am honored to have Commissioner Ping’s support.” He continued, “As I talk to voters across our hard-hit congressional district, I have heard time after time that people want the dignity of having a job. If I am elected, I will tirelessly advocate for policies that encourage and incentivize job creation and economic development right here in Washtenaw County and around our congressional district. It's time to get Michigan back to work”

Rooney was a Captain in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq between 2004 and 2005. After leaving active duty, Rooney worked as an attorney at the Thomas More Law Center, a conservative constitutional law firm dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, family values, and the sanctity of human life, as well as the promotion of a strong national defense. Rooney serves on the Pittsburgh Steelers Board of Directors and co-owns several other family-run businesses with his brothers and sisters. Rooney has been endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

The Michigan Republican Primary is on August 3rd.

Background Information on Washtenaw County Commissioner Jessica Ping

Jessica Ping was elected to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners in November 2006 and was sworn into office in January 2007. She is the chair of the working session for 2009 and 2010. Ping graduated from Saline High School and Grand Valley State University with a degree in business. She is a member of the Saline United Methodist Church, Michigan Federation of College Republicans, the HBC and several local Chambers of Commerce. Ping also serves on the Drug Forfeiture Committee, Local Development Finance Authority of Saline, and the River Raisin Watershed Council.