Duggan Wins Place on November Ballot

Former Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan pulled off the improbable Tuesday by not just winning a place on the November ballot, but by finishing as the top vote-getter in what appears to be the most successful write-in campaign of the modern political era in Michigan.

After being disqualified from the ballot for filing his campaign paperwork less than a full year after moving into the City of Detroit, Mr. Duggan launched an intense write-in campaign and ended up stunning observers by beating Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, the second-place finisher.

Mr. Duggan finished with approximately 50 percent of the votes, while Mr. Napoleon received 30 percent. Other candidates all finished in single-digits. Former State Representative Lisa Howze finished with 5 percent, while Representatives Fred Durhal, Jr. (D-Detroit) and John Olumba (D-Detroit) both finished with 1 percent.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 9, 2013 10:34 AM
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Senator Walker Not to Seek Re-Election

State Senator Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) released a statement Thursday announcing his intentions not to seek re-election to the State Senate in 2014.

Citing family reasons, Senator Walker indicated he and his wife had discussed the issue at length and determined it best for him to stay out of the 2014 election. He announced no immediate plans for his future after public service.

Senator Walker served three terms in the House of Representatives from 2003 – 2008 and won his current seat in the Senate in 2010, taking 64 percent of the vote. He is currently Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid.

The vacancy of an incumbent in the 37^th Senate District in 2014 already has Lansing insiders discussing potential candidates. Former State Representative Scott Shackleton’s name has bounced around, as well as current State Representatives Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City), Frank Foster (R-Petoskey), and Greg MacMaster (R-Kewadin). The 37^th District is a strong Republican seat, encompassing Grand Traverse, Cheboygan, Antrim, and Emmet counties.

posted by PAA Online , 10:34 AM
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New Regions Rolled-Out for State Services

Reportedly one of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s largest frustrations since taking office in early 2011 is the level of inconsistency of regions state departments and agencies have to negotiate in managing delivery of services. Multiple variances evidently exist even within the same department umbrella.

With one move Thursday, Governor Snyder hopes to put an end to the confusion by announcing a new, consolidated 10-region map for service delivery. Also announced was the intention to make grant money available for local governments and other organizations within a region to utilize in developing service delivery collaboration efforts.

The 10 regions are:

Region 1: Upper Peninsula, divided into three sub-regions;

Region 2: Northwest - Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Wexford,

Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Manistee counties;

Region 3: Northeast - Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, Roscommon, Ogemaw and Iosco;

Region 4, divided into northern (Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo and Mecosta) and southern (Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Barry, Montcalm and Ionia) sub-regions;

Region 5: East Central - Clare, Isabella, Gratiot, Saginaw, Midland, Gladwin, Arenac and Bay;

Region 6: East Michigan - Huron, Tuscola, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, Sanilac and St. Clair;

Region 7: South Central - Clinton, Eaton and Ingham;

Region 8: Southwest - Berrien, Van Buren, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Calhoun and Branch;

Region 9: Southeast Michigan - Livingston, Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Monroe; and

Region 10: Detroit Metro - Macomb, Oakland Wayne.

posted by PAA Online , 10:33 AM
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Saari to Serve as House Chief of Staff

House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) announced this week that long-time, respected Lansing professional Norm Saari will become his Chief of Staff effective August 26^th. Mr. Saari will replace Suzanne Miller Allen who announced her resignation last month to take a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Mr. Saari is currently Governor Rick Snyder’s Appointments Manager. The Michigan State University graduate most recently served as a staff member in the Legislature as former Senator Jason Allen’s Chief of Staff. Prior to that, Mr. Saari had a more than 30-year career in government affairs for Consumers Energy in both Lansing and Washington, DC.

Ms. Allen will not be departing the Speaker’s office until September 3^rd, providing for a brief overlap and transition in Chief of Staff.

posted by PAA Online , 10:33 AM
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August 2nd Survey Results

In the August 2^nd edition of PAAdvisory, readers were asked: given last week’s news that U.S. Representative Dave Camp (R-Midland) is considering a run for the U.S. Senate, has your opinion of the outcome of the race changed? Who do you think is the next U.S. Senator from Michigan? 32 percent believe the race is still Mr. Peter’s to lose, while 28 percent came in for Congressman Camp and for former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land.

posted by PAA Online , 10:32 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Phelps Wins in 49^th Special

Phil Phelps, former Chief of Staff to Representative Pam Faris (D-Clio) won Tuesday’s special Primary election and received the Democratic nod for the November special election in the 49^th House District, a heavily Democratic seat vacated by now-Senator Jim Ananich. Receiving 1,979 votes, or 38.6 percent, Mr. Phelps will now face Don Pfeiffer in the November General.

Trott Eyeing Congressional Run

Oakland County attorney David Trott’s name has been mentioned in many conversations about the 11^th U.S. House of Representatives seat since former Congressman Thaddeus McCotter’s disqualification and current U.S. Representative Kerry Bentivolio’s victory in 2012. Oakland County Republicans are reportedly again pursuing Mr. Trott who is evidently considering the move.

House Candidates Announce

The Lapeer County GOP Chair Jan Peabody has announced her intentions to run for the State House in the 82^nd District. The registered nurse would be running to replace current Representative Kevin Daley (R-Lum), who is termed-out in 2014. Meanwhile, a little to the South, Brian Pannebecker, a district aid to State Senator Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Township), has announced his intentions to run for the 36^th House District being vacated by current (and term-limited) Representative Pete Lund (R-Shelby Township).

posted by PAA Online , 10:31 AM
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Question of the Week 8-9-13

posted by PAA Online , 10:03 AM
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