Leonard and Weber Early Frontrunners for Leadership

Speaker Pro Tempore Tom Leonard III (R-DeWitt) and Representative Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills) are becoming early frontrunners in the race to replace Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter (R-Mount Pleasant) as the leader of the Republican caucus. House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) is expected to retain his position as the leader of the Democratic caucus as he is not term-limited.

Representative Leonard is rumored to be working alongside Representative Lee Chatfield (R-Levering), although Mr. Chatfield has not confirmed that he has decided whom to support in the leadership race, as he is focused on ensuring the Republicans remain in the majority. Neither Mr. Leonard nor Mr. Webber has officially announced that they will be running for leadership. Mr. Webber is rumored to be joining forces with Representative Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance) in his campaign for leader.

Representative Daniela Garcia (R-Holland) also has a leadership fund, although some sources have stated that she is on board with Mr. Webber. With 17 months left until leadership elections there are many factors still in play, including the outcome of the election and the caucus’s satisfaction with the direction Speaker Cotter is currently taking the chamber. Another issue, which could heavily impact the leadership race, is the ability to elect a two or four year leader, with Mr. Sheppard being in his first term.

The incoming class of Republican legislators will impact the election heavily, as more than half of the caucus is facing term limits. This factor will place great importance on the ability of candidates to court new members following the August primary, as 27 Republican legislators will not be returning.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 10, 2015 10:10 AM
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