
Thaddeus McCotter drops bid to become nation's president
Congressman Thaddeus McCotter – an alumnus of the university – abandoned his two-month-old campaign to become U.S. president Thursday.
An eight-year congressman from Livonia, McCotter was among the candidates seeking the Republican nomination to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012.
McCotter, who earned bachelor and law degrees from the university, announced his candidacy in July but failed to generate the enthusiasm and donations needed to continue.
He graduated from what was then the University of Detroit in 1987 and UDM Law School in 1990.
Fittingly, "McCotter was a political science major," said Gary Lichtman, UDM media relations director.
McCotter left a political imprint on those he encountered at the university.
"He was an excellent student," said Dr. Victoria L. Mantzopoulos, professor and chair of the departments of political science and economics. "He was very conservative, very ethical, very personable and an obvious leader."
Mantzopoulos is not the only one to think he was a bright student.
"He had a 4.0 average," said Dr. Donald Burkholder, an associate professor of political science.
He described McCotter as an honors student who was not very expressive in class discussions.
"He was obviously bright but not especially loquacious," Burkolder said.
One of McCotter's former classmates remembered him differently.
"I remember we were seniors, and we debated quite a bit," said Bob Sadler, director of public and external relations at the Detroit Historical Society. "He was very smart, very sharp and willing to express (himself) and debate."
Salder recalls the discussions were political but doesn't remember the specific topics.
"I was surprised he was running for president," Sadler said.
He said he expected McCotter to challenge Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow.
Earlier last week, before McCotter dropped out of the presidential race, Mantzopoulos said she thought his odds of capturing the Republican nomination were low.
"Unfortunately, I believe his bid for president is a bit premature," she said. "The national support, at this point, is more about raising money than voters really knowing him."
Sadler had noted that something was hampering McCotter's candidacy.
"They do not include him" in the debates, he said. "He has not been able to be in mutual campaign events."
With his national campaign over, McCotter has announced he will seek reelection to Congress.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More VN News Articles
- Keegan-Michael Key: Comedy Central star fondly recalls his days at university
- Karl Gschneider: Heavy metal
- Chirstopher Darga: The faces of Darga
- George Noory: Out of this world
Recent VN News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR VN

Bolden breaks barriers on state Supreme Court By Isabella Filary

‘Mario’ movie packs fun, nostalgia By Jorge Reyna, Jr.

Senior track athlete chases dental dreams By Kara Wolfbauer

‘De-Stress’ event will celebrate end of year By Lorenzo Izzi
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST VN NEWS
- Bolden breaks barriers on state Supreme Court
- ‘Mario’ movie packs fun, nostalgia
- Theologian explains Transpacific cultures
- Senior track athlete chases dental dreams
- Studies show benefits of a 4-day workweek
- Does NBA’s most valuable player award still matter?
- Leading a non-profit at 21 brings joys, challenges
RECENT VN CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- What to Know About Pregnancy and COVID Vaccines
- What to Know About Pregnancy and COVID Vaccines
- What to Know About Pregnancy and COVID Vaccines
- What to Know About Pregnancy and COVID Vaccines
- Postal Service Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the...
- Fantastic Ideas Can Win Fantastic Prizes
- New Study Estimates YouTube’s Impact on U.S. Economy a...
- Six Ways a Simple Eye Exam Could Save Your Life
- The ABCs of Reaching Gen Z: Ads, Brands, Connections
- Know the Signs of Stroke: Acting in Time Can Save a Life
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- 10 Pool Opening Tips for Swim Season 2023
- Top Water Safety Tips for Kids and Families this Summer
- How to Help Your Aging Parents
- ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK IS GIVING AWAY $50,000 TO FUEL...
- BookTrib’s Bites: Tales of Emotion, Spirit and Inspiration
- Why Investors Take a Shine to Silver
- Give the Gift of a Clean Car: Perfect for Dads and Grads
- A Guided Journey of Transformation, Healing and Power
- BookTrib's Bites: From Soviet Subterfuge to Space Operas...
- Preparing for an Uncertain Hurricane Season
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Announces Study Abroad Grant Recipients
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Earth Day Bombshell: An Open Letter to the UN Provides Educators, Psychologists and Students With Suppressed Remedies for our Broken World Lies and Painful War on Nature.
- Leading Publisher, Taylor & Francis, Hosts Webinar for Researchers in Environmental Sciences on How to Get Published, Make an Impact and Save the Planet
- Robert Kraft's Foundation to Combat Antisemitism is Calling Upon All Americans to #StandUpToJewishHate