Democratic Congressional candidates Mark Schauer and Gary Peters will bring home the bounty from a joint fundraiser with the entire Michigan Democratic delegation in mid-December.

A former state lottery commissioner, Peters is looking to take on eight-term Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R), while Schauer, the state Senate Minority Leader, is running to take down freshman Rep. Tim Walberg (R).

But first, both men will have to get through Democratic primaries against the previous cycle’s nominees. Schauer faces organic farmer Sharon Renier, while Peters will compete against radio host Nancy Skinner.

Although the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee prefers to stay neutral in primaries, an event where the entire delegation is present often sends a message in a primary that the establishment is behind a certain campaign.

“We believe that the fact that the entire Michigan delegation is supporting this and will be there will be a great draw,” Peters said. “The Michigan delegation is united in winning these two seats.”

Peters, who is also a former state Senator, said that he thought the fundraiser sent a “very powerful message” to his primary opponents.

“But it’s a message in conjunction with the other support … I’ve received in the primary,” he added, naming endorsements from the local AFL-CIO, among others.

Skinner said her campaign fundraising will go on as planned.

“I respect many members of the delegation and they need to do what they need to do, and I need to do what I need to do,” she said. “That’s the beauty of democracy.”

The Dec. 15 fundraiser will be held in Livonia, which is almost in between the two districts. General admission tickets are $200 and VIP tickets are $2,000 to join supporters at the conference center venue Burton Manor.

— Shira Toeplitz