Hoekstra In – Republican Field Grows

After months of not knowing if a top tier candidate would carry the GOP banner against incumbent U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) in 2012, the Republican faithful breathed a collective sigh of relief early this week when former U.S. Representative Peter Hoekstra announced he had changed his mind and would be seeking the Republican nomination.

The GOP was not without candidates, with three officially running: Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John McCulloch, former Kent County Probate Judge Randy Heckman, and party activist Peter Konetchy. Additionally, at least two others are still considering a run – Rob Steele (who ran a surprisingly close race against U.S. Representative John Dingell (D-Dearborn) in 2010) and charter school organizer Clark Durant. It remains unclear what effect Mr. Hoekstra’s announcement will have on the other candidates and potential candidates; however, his national profile and likely fundraising advantage will surely see the GOP candidate pool dwindle in coming months.

Democrats were quick to the trigger in reacting to Mr. Hoekstra’s announcement, calling attention to his position with a Washington-based lobbying firm among other issues. Signaling another uphill climb for any challenger, Senator Stabenow has reported nearly $4 million in her re-election coffers.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 22, 2011 9:27 AM
LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS ARTICLE

Kildee To Retire After 18 Terms

U.S. Representative Dale Kildee (D-Flint) has announced that he will retire from Congress after 36 years representing Genesee County. The Congressman indicated that once the new maps were drawn he was confident the seat would remain Democratic and determined it was the appropriate time to step down.

Mr. Kildee’s announcement has obviously raised considerable speculation and discussion regarding potential successors in representing the new 5^th Congressional district. Three prominent names and likely candidates have immediately risen to the attention of insiders:

Former State Senator and U.S. Representative Jim Barcia, an immensely popular Bay City Democrat who represented the old 5^th Congressional District prior to the redistricting after the 2000 census.

Current State Senator John Gleason (D-Flushing) who would be termed-out of the Senate in 2014 has indicated already that he is considering a run.

Former Genesee County Treasurer and nephew of Congressman Kildee, Dan Kildee, who toyed with a run for Governor in 2010 and is currently head of the Center for Community Progress in Washington, DC.

posted by PAA Online , 9:26 AM
LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS ARTICLE

Governor Signs Teacher Tenure Reform – More Education Reform On Fall Agenda

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed four bills into law Tuesday, marking passage of the first portions of his special message to the Legislature on education and significant reforms to teacher tenure. HB 4625 (Public Act 101), HB 4626 (PA 100), HB 4627 (PA 102) and HB 4628 (PA 103) end, among other reforms, the “last in first out” policy for teacher layoffs.

Surrounded by House Education Committee Chair Representative Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc), and Representatives Tim Melton (D-Auburn Hills), Margaret O’Brien (R-Portage), Bill Rogers (R-Brighton) and Ken Yonker (R-Caledonia), the Governor made it a point to utilize the signing as a means to call attention to that which is yet to be done.

High on the agenda for this fall are two of the more controversial aspects of the Governor’s special message on education – requiring any school district with capacity to accept pupils from other school districts and expanding university-sponsored charter schools within struggling districts.

posted by PAA Online , 9:25 AM
LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS ARTICLE

Recall Update

Language has been approved by the Saginaw County Elections Commission in an effort seeking to recall State Senator Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw), bringing the list of legislators facing potential recalls because of approved language to 19.

In additional to Kahn, the following members of the Senate are facing potential recall pending the required number of valid signatures being collected: Senators Darwin Booher (R-Evart), Judy Emmons (R-Sheridan), Mike Green (R-Mayville), Mark Jansen (R-Gaines Township), Jim Marleau (R-Lake Orion), Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek), Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) and Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton).

In the House, Speaker Jase Bolger is joined by five colleagues in facing potential recall: Representatives Kurt Damrow (R-Port Austin), Jeff Farrington (R-Utica), Nancy Jenkins (R-Clayton), Joel Johnson (R-Clare), Phil Potvin (R-Cadillac), and Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville).

Language was recently rejected in a recall effort against Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) while petition language against Representatives Gail Haines (R-Waterford) and Bradford Jacobsen (R-Oxford) was re-filed after previously being rejected.

posted by PAA Online , 9:21 AM
LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS ARTICLE

PAAdvisory Briefs

Snyder Administration Adds Schornack

Dennis Schornack will be working with the Snyder Administration on Southeast Michigan transportation issues, focusing on recommendations for the Governor’s special message to the legislature on infrastructure scheduled for October. Mr. Schornack is a former special advisor to Governor John Engler and was appointed by former President George W. Bush as a commissioner for both the International Joint Commission and the International Boundary Commission – both U.S./Canada joint entities.

Richardville Considering Term Limit Debate

Multiple sources have indicated that Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) is considering introducing legislation this fall that may propose to end Michigan’s term limit law. Legislation to reform the 1992 voter-approved term limits has also been introduced in the House.

Stamas To Join Richardville Staff

Former State Senator and Representative Tony Stamas is reportedly joining the staff of Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe). The Midland Republican and brother of current House Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas (R-Midland) is currently the legislative liaison for the Department of Community Health (DCH).

posted by PAA Online , 9:19 AM
LINK DIRECTLY TO THIS ARTICLE

This Week's Newsletter

Past Newsletters