Mike O'Brien (Michigan politician)
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Mike O'Brien | |
|---|---|
| Democratic candidate for United States House of Representatives elections, 2012 | |
| Election date November 6, 2012 | |
| Opponent | Fred Upton (R) or Jack Hoogendyk (R). |
| Incumbent | Fred Upton |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Teresa |
| Residence | Douglas, Michigan |
| Occupation | Business Development and Management Consulting |
| Website | http://mikeobrienforcongress.com/ |
Mike O'Brien is the Democratic candidate for Michigan's 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives and a project team leader at Herman Miller.[1] O'Brien, a former U.S. Marine and business development director, advocates for effective Washington leadership emphasizing the "four E's" of the Economy, Education, Energy, and Environment.[2]
Early Life and Education
Born as the oldest son of a single mother, Mike grew up attending public schools.[3] His mother, forced to hold down two and sometimes three jobs to make ends meet, worked hard to ensure that Mike and his brothers had a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, and an education to guide them later in life. When these jobs were not enough, the O'Brien family relied on government assistance to put food on the table. O'Brien has stated that he "will never, ever forget" how the his government supported him.[4] After graduating from high school, Mike joined the United States Marine Corps where he rose to the position of platoon sergeant for special operations before leaving the corps to marry his high school sweetheart.[5][6] Upon leaving the corps, O'Brien put himself through college at Washington University while working full time in construction and various office jobs and graduated in 1994.[7]
Business career
Mike O'Brien began work as a management consultant and business development expert after graduation, working in Europe to expand and improve companies.[8] Upon returning to the United States, he worked in real estate development for USF Holland, a Michigan based trucking company and started a successful local farming operation in the Fennville and Holland areas providing grass-based organic meats to "local families and restaurants."[9] After his farm's closure during the 2008 recession, O'Brien became the regional director for Bluewater Wind, a leading offshore wind developer, and served on then-Michigan Governor Granholm's Offshore Wind Council developing regulatory clarity to encourage billions of dollars in clean energy investment for Michigan.[10] [11] Currently, O'Brien is a project team leader developing and commercializing new products for Herman Miller, a Michigan based furniture manufacturer.[12][13]
Congressional Campaign
On April 21st, 2012, Mike O'Brien declared his candidacy for U.S. Congress in a series of events across Southwest Michigan, though he had never held a political office before.[14] Explaining his decision to run, Mike stated that his reasons are "in part, for the absolute love of country, in part, the teachings of our faith and in part because of the deep, deep, deep belief that my country is there for me, and now I need to be there for it." Upon announcing his candidacy, O'Brien immediately attacked incumbent congressman Fred Upton as a failed leader in Washington and has since criticized his opponent on issues of energy and the use of taxpayer funds for personal political gain.[15][16]
Personal life
O'Brien is married to his high school sweetheart, Teresa, and lives with her and their ten year old daughter in Douglas, Michigan. He enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.[17]
References
- ^ "Kalamazoo Democratic Candidates". Kalamazoo County Democratic Party. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- ^ "Jobs and the Four E's".
- ^ Coeman, Zak. "Democrat Campaigns for House". The Western Herald. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- ^ O'Brien, Mike. "Campaign Announcement Speech". Union Peer, Michigan: Harbor Country Progress. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
- ^ Miller, Mark. "Meet Mike O'Brien". bloggingformichigan.
- ^ "Douglas Democrat to run for SW Mich. US House seat". WWMT. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
- ^ Miller, Mark. "Meet Mike O'Brien". The Daily Kos. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
- ^ "Mike O'Brien Profile". Ballotpedia.
- ^ Adams, Noah (10 February 2009). "Raising Free-Range Animals". National Public Radio. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ "Exploring Our Energy Future". West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
- ^ "COUNCIL MEMBERS". Michigan Great Lakes Wind Council. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
- ^ MikeOBrienforCongress. "About Mike O'Brien". Retrieved 27 May 2012.
- ^ Samuelson, Darren. "Dems Eye Political Novice for Upton's Seat". Politico. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ Klug, Fritz. "Southwest Michigan Politics: Mike O'Brien to announce candidacy for Congress tomorrow; Rep. Fred Upton endorsed by Dale Shugars". MLive. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
- ^ Klug, Fritz. "Mike O'Brien launches campaign, attacks Congressman Fred Upton's 'failed leadership'". MLive. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
- ^ Klug, Fritz. "Democrat Mike O'Brien calls on Congressman Fred Upton to pay back money used for mailers promoting his 2nd Amendment record". MLive. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
- ^ Eby, John (25 April 2012). "O'Brien Includes Cass in Congress Kickoff". The Cassopolis Vigilant. Retrieved 3 June 2012.