Little House On The Prairie Star Melissa Gilbert Running For Congress

Melissa Gilbert, the former child star of ‘Little House on the Prairie’, is to run for Congress in the US.

The 51-year-old member of the Democrat party announced her candidacy for a congressional seat in Michigan yesterday.

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“I’m running for Congress to make life a little easier for all the families who feel they have fallen through the cracks in today’s economy,” she said in a statement.

“I believe building a new economy is a team effort, and we need to bring fresh voices to the table to get the job done.”

She has never held any public office before, but campaigned for candidate Mark Schauer last year.

Gilbert is best known for her role as Laura Ingalls on the long-running US TV show, and also had roles in shows like 'Gunsmoke’ and 'The Love Boat’ early on in her career.

She played the part of Ingalls in 'Little House on the Prairie’ (above, far right) from the age of 10 to 20, and has continued to act.

She also appeared in episodes of 'Nip/Tuck’ and competed in 'Dancing With The Stars’, the US version of 'Strictly Come Dancing’, in 2012.

However, she has already come under fire from potential political rivals.

A spokesperson for the opposing campaign of Republican candidate Mike Bishop has accused her of being a 'tax cheat’, after it emerged in June that she owed over $400,000 in unpaid taxes.

“Melissa Gilbert can afford to have a stylist for her dog, but cannot pay her taxes,” read a statement.

Gilbert blamed the outstanding tax bill on the stalling of her acting career and a divorce, but has reportedly agreed a repayment plan.

Image credits: Reuters/Rex Features