State - Lansing Governor's race shaped by Michigan's poor economy Barrage of television ads to mark final weeks leading into primary

By Kathy Barks Hoffman Associated Press Writer LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan's most wide-open governor's race in decades has been shaped by the rise of the tea partiers, the unexpected withdrawal of Lt. John Cherry from the Democratic race and, above all, the state's shaky economy. Five Republicans and two Democrats are running to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who's stepping down after two terms because of term limits. Voters already unhappy about the state's lack of jobs have been swept up in the national mood of unrest, leading to a volatile race and uncertain outcomes for both parties. It's the first time in years that a former or current governor or lieutenant governor isn't among the candidates, and the first time in nearly a century that a sitting governor or lieutenant governor hasn't been on the primary ballot. Among the five Republicans, Attorney General Mike Cox hopes big-time endorsements from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Right to Life of Michigan as well as hard-hitting ads against some of his opponents will win him the nomination. Former Gateway President Rick Snyder hopes his barrage of largely self-financed TV ads and stance as a moderate political outsider will help him snatch the win if GOP conservatives split their votes among the other Republicans in the race. U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra is counting on the strong west Michigan support he has earned during 18 years in Congress and some help in southeast Michigan from supporters such as U.S. Rep. Candice Miller of Macomb County's Harrison Township. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard is relying on his popularity as a sheriff and former state senator in one of the state's biggest vote-getting areas and his choice of a west Michigan running mate, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, to nab the win -- along with a possible stumble by one of his GOP rivals. State Sen. Tom George, the GOP underdog, is making his mark with catchy one-liners and a willingness to attack the budget plans floated by his opponents as pie-in-the-sky, noting at a recent debate that "This is Mackinac Island, not Fantasy Island." All but Snyder have been actively courting the tea partiers, who have not backed anyone in particular but are pressing candidates to oppose President Barack Obama's federal health care changes and oppose raising taxes. On the Democratic side, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero is hoping support from some of the state's largest labor unions and an image as a champion of the working people who's not part of the Statehouse gridlock will bring the party faithful his way. He also notes he's the only pro-choice candidate in either party. House Speaker Andy Dillon has better name recognition than Bernero in southeast Michigan, a closer relationship with moderate business and labor groups and a legislative record he says shows he thinks outside the box to help make his pitch. But he has to overcome some fear among Democratic voters that he doesn't represent their values. With unemployment hovering above 13.5 percent, all seven candidates have vowed to cut business taxes and create more jobs. Most voters are cynical about candidates' promises, however. "I don't think anybody believes anything they hear," says Steven Hepker, 55, of Hudson. Many voters in both parties remain undecided heading into the final weeks before the Aug. 3 primary election. The Republican candidates held their last debate on July 14, an event Snyder skipped. The Democrats held their last debate on June 28. Michigan AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney said Democratic turnout could be down because so many voters are discouraged by being out of work and the Democratic governor's race has been relatively low-key. State Republican Chairman Ron Weiser expects to see a lot of Republicans at the polls, drawn by the five-way GOP race and dissatisfaction with Democratic President Barack Obama. "Republicans are excited," Weiser said. All of the candidates except George, who is far down in the polls, plan to put up a barrage of television ads in the final weeks of the campaign. Voters who want to learn more also can check out the candidates' websites and their Facebook and Twitter sites. Published: Tue, Jul 20, 2010

––––––––––––––––––––
 Subscribe to the Legal News!
 https://test.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available