PAA Election Tracker

As you tune into national and local television coverage on November 4th for election results, make sure to also check in with PAA’s Election Tracker on our website at www.paaonline.com.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, October 17, 2014 10:13 AM
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Michigan Unemployment Down to 7.2 Percent

In the last release of unemployment numbers before the November election, Governor Rick Snyder received a potentially big boost when he announced the good news just ahead of the official release from the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

The seasonally adjusted rate in Michigan fell to 7.2 percent in September, the lowest that rate has been since March of 2008 and close to the average annual percentages of 2003 – 2007 prior to the “Great Recession.”

The 7.2 percent September rate is down from the 7.4 rate in August, but remains 1.3 percent higher than the national September rate of 5.9 percent. In September of 2013, the jobless rate in Michigan was 8.8 percent.

The construction industry saw an increase of 3,000 jobs in September and 3,000 more workers were added in the transportation equipment manufacturing sector as well. 4,000 workers were added in professional and business services while 4,000 jobs were lost in the leisure and hospitality services sector due to the conclusion of the Summer tourism season.

posted by PAA Online , 10:12 AM
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Congressional Republicans Have Fundraising Edge

Although a couple of Democratic challengers have managed to raise significant resources, they have fallen well short of the Republican incumbents they hope to unseat this November.

Democratic former State Representative Pam Byrnes, running to unseat U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) in the 7^th U.S. House District, has raised $1.2 million including more than $250,000 in the last quarter. After spending $911,306, Ms. Byrnes is left with $279,500 cash on hand. Incumbent Congressman Walberg has raised $1.7 million, including $376,841 this quarter – but has more than $1 million left in cash on hand.

In the 1^st U.S. House District, Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls) has raised $1.8 million ($379,281 this quarter) and has better than $500,000 in cash on hand heading into the last three weeks of the race. Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Jerry Cannon has raised $809,599, including $244,254 in the last quarter, and is left with $169,152 cash on hand.

In the two open seats, vacated by current U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers (R-Brighton) and Kerry Bentivolio (R-Milford), the Republican candidates have secured significant financial advantages as well.

Former State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) has raised $822,308 and has $276,082 cash on hand after raising $345,022 in the last quarter. Democratic candidate Eric Schertzing of East Lansing has raised $350,559 and is left with $150,390 in the bank.

Birmingham attorney David Trott, who won the Republican Primary over Congressman Bentivolio in the 11^th Congressional District, has raised $4.3 million and still has $1.3 million in the bank. Bobby McKenzie, the Democratic candidate in the race, had not yet posted financial reports at the time of publication.

posted by PAA Online , 10:11 AM
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September Revenue Report Shows Mixed Bag

The Senate Fiscal Agency released September revenue numbers early this week, showing a mixed bag of above-estimate revenue in some cases, but below-estimate numbers overall. Revenue to the General Fund and School Aid Fund totaled $2.3 billion for the month, below the month’s estimates from May’s revenue estimating conference – but still 2.3 percent ahead of September 2013 numbers.

General Fund revenue was $45.2 million above estimates while School Aid Fund revenue was $52.6 million below forecasts. Year-to-date, both General Fund and School Aid Fund revenues are below estimates. The General Fund is $30.7 million short and the School Aid Fund is $54.5 million short.

Combined revenue from the state’s Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and its predecessor taxes (Single Business Tax and Michigan Business Tax) was $126.6 million for the month - $37.3 million ahead of estimates.

posted by PAA Online , 10:10 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Travel Michigan

Effective December 1, 2014, Michigan native David West will take over as Vice President of Travel Michigan for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In that capacity, Mr. West will oversee the Pure Michigan campaign and is responsible for the state’s tourism branding and public relations efforts. Mr. West is currently Vice President of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, grew up in East Lansing, and attended both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.

President Obama Headed to SE Michigan

U.S. President Barack Obama is reportedly scheduled to visit the metropolitan Detroit area to campaign for U.S. Senate candidate U.S. Congressman Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Hills) and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer. First Lady Michelle Obama was in Detroit last week, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in town this week, and multiple sources have reported that former President Bill Clinton is expected to make a stop as well.

posted by PAA Online , 10:08 AM
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