What Happens to the 8th District Congressional Race Now that Melissa Gilbert Dropped Out?

Melissa Gilbert was widely criticized by Republicans and Democrats alike for running a lackluster campaign for Congress. And now the Democrat has dropped out of the race against Republican incumbent Mike Bishop.

Gilbert is best known for playing Laura Ingalls Wilder on the “Little House on the Prairie” television show. She was largely out of the public eye until her run for office.

Michigan Public Radio Network Capitol Bureau Chief Rick Pluta says the Democrats must scramble to find a replacement for Gilbert who has a chance at beating Bishop.

“They’re looking for someone with gravitas and campaign organization,” says Pluta. “Clearly this is going to be a longer shot than it was.”

Bishop’s seat includes parts of Oakland, Livingston and Ingham counties. There has been some speculation the Democrats will try to tap interim Ingham County Prosecutor Gretchen Whitmer to run against Bishop. Pluta says he asked Whitmer if she would be interested in running for Congress and he says she responded “none, nada, no way.”

To hear more from Pluta’s conversation on “Detroit Today”, click on the audio player above.