When Running Is a Family Affair

By Nathan L. Gonzales

Former Rep. Jim Slattery (D) officially filed his long-shot bid to unseat Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).

It’s common for candidates to make their announcement with family in tow, but Tuesday's event was different because Slattery’s son, Mike, is simultaneously running for the state House. Both Slatterys face primary opponents on Aug. 5, but they hit the campaign trail together at least through the summer.

In Maine, former state Senate majority leader Chellie Pingree (D) is running in the 1st Congressional District to replace Rep. Tom Allen (D), who is running for the Senate. Pingree is the favorite in the crowded June 10 primary, while her daughter, Hannah, is running for her fourth term in the state House.

Hannah Pingree, currently the state House Majority Leader, was first elected in 2002, the same year her mother lost the Senate race to Sen. Susan Collins (R).

Democratic Michigan Rep. Sander Levin’s son, Andy, was mentioned as a potential candidate in Michigan’s 9th district this year but ultimately decided not to run.

Former Sen. Mike DeWine’s (R-Ohio) son, Pat, is a Hamilton County commissioner who ran in the 2nd Congressional district special election last cycle. Pat DeWine finished a distant fourth in a June 2005 special primary election. And Mike DeWine ended up losing his re-election bid, 56 percent to 44 percent, 17 months later.

This item first appeared on RollCall.com on June 3, 2008. 2008 © Roll Call Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.