U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek was in Jackson Wednesday as he continued to kick off his reelection campaign, which he has been doing at events around the district.

His “Made in America” event took place at Full Spectrum Solutions in Jackson, a company that specializes in energy-efficient lighting, and one that Schauer and his staff have spent a considerable amount of time trying to help.

In June, Schauer sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden on behalf of Full Spectrum to make him aware that companies were cheating the system to win contracts with municipalities that have grants from the stimulus fund, which includes a Buy American requirement.

Full Spectrum said it had identified and had proof that at least a half dozen firms were defrauding the government in order to win stimulus-funded contracts.

“They’re cheating you out of jobs,” Schauer said. “There should be more people here.”

Biden responded last month and directed several federal agencies to make the changes Schauer suggested.

“I’m running for reelection for Congress because we’ve got the best workers in the world, we’ve got the best innovators and if you’re given a level playing field, you will out compete anyone,” Schauer said. “And we will create more, good manufacturing jobs right here in Michigan.”

As he did in the 2008 campaign, Schauer intends to make trade issues and jobs a major focus of his reelection bid.

Schauer said free trade is a myth, and something that is supported by his opponent in the November election, former U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg.

He added that he co-sponsored a bill this year to have the U.S. withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement.

"I'm going to be talking about jobs and what it takes for Michigan to be competitive," Schauer said.

He said he will also talk about pushing China to break down trade barriers.

In May, Schauer introduced a bill that would limit the number of products made in China being used for U.S. government contracts.

http://blog.mlive.com/jackson-politics/2010/08/post_12.html