Primary Results

Nineteen percent of voters cast ballots on Tuesday, considering this election one of the strongest presidential election cycle primary turnouts in the past 40 years.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 5, 2016 9:38 AM
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Federal Races

In a very close race, newcomer Jack Bergman defeated Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) and former Senator Jason Allen of Traverse City for the 1^st U.S. House District GOP nomination. Former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lon Johnson had a decisive victory for the Democratic nomination. In the 10^th U.S. House District, businessman Paul Mitchell came out victorious against Senator Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair) and former Senator Alan Sanborn, among others.

In the 7^th District, U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) easily defeated his challenger Douglas North for the Republican nomination. Finally, in the 13^th District, U.S. Representative Jon Conyers Jr. (D-Detroit) defeated Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey for the Democratic primary.

posted by PAA Online , 9:37 AM
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State Races

Several current legislators easily won their respective primaries. Among them are Representative Brian Banks (D-Harper Woods) in the 1^st House District, Representative Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit) in the 4^th House District, Representative Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) in the 6^th District, Representative Frank Liberati (D-Allen Park) in the 13^th House District, and Representative John Kivela (D-Marquette) in the 109^th District.

Kevin Hertel of Saint Clair Shores won the Democratic nomination in the 18^th District, Patrick Green of Warren won the Democratic primary in the 28^th District, and finally Yousef Rabhi of Ann Arbor won in the 53^rd District. In the 2^nd House District, former Representative Bettie Cook Scott narrowly won over Carla Tinsley-Smith.

In the 9^th District, Sylvia Santana of Detroit won the Democratic nomination over union-backed Gary Pollard. Cara Clemente also won the Democratic nomination in the 14^th District, despite spending no money in her campaign. Insurance company consultant Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn won over the 15^th District to take the Democratic nomination there. In the 31^st District, Clinton Township Treasurer William Sowerby also won the Democratic nomination. In the 50^th District, longtime aide Tim Sneller of Burton won the nomination and has the potential to succeed his former boss, term limited Representative Charles Smiley (D-Grand Blanc)

In the 54^th District, Washtenaw County Commissioner Ronnie Peterson of Ypsilanti won his primary and will succeed Representative David Rutledge (D-Ypsilanti). Terry Sabo won in the 92^nd House District Democratic primary, and attorney Brian Elder of Bay City won the Democratic nomination in the 96^th House District.

In the 106^th House District, Democrat Robert Kennedy of Harrisville beat the party’s preferred candidate, Erin Kieliszewski. The Republican victor is Cheboygan County Commissioner Sue Allor of Wolverine. In the 30^th House District, Diana Farrington, wife of Representative Jeff Farrington (R-Utica), won the GOP nomination and will face Democrat Michael Notte of Shelby Township. In the 20^th House District, Republican Jeff Noble of Canton has won and will be up against Colleen Pobur of Plymouth.

In the 52^nd House District, Donna Lasinksi of Scio Township beat Barbara Fuller of Manchester for the Democratic nomination. Finally, in the 108^th House District, Dickinson County Sheriff Scott Celello pulled 58 percent, winning the Democratic nomination. Mr. Celello will face Bea LaFave of Iron Mountain.

In the 23^rd House District, Republican Trenton City Councilmember Robert Howey won the primary and will be up against Democrat Darrin Camilleri of Brownstown Township. Republican Steve Marino secured the 24^th House District primary as expected and will go against Democrat Dana Camphous Peterson. In the 25^th House District, Representative Henry Yanez (D-Sterling Heights) handedly won the primary and will face Republican Steve Naumovski.

Representative Martin Howrylak (R-Troy) also easily won the 41^st House District primary, and will face-off with Cyndi Peltonen in November. In the 57^th House District, Bronna Kahle secured the Republican primary and former Tecumseh Mayor Harvey Schmidt won the Democratic nomination. Julie Alexander of Hanover won a competitive 64^th House District Republican primary and will go up against Democrat Ronald Brooks in the general. Beth Griffin of Mattawa won the 66^th House District GOP nomination and will face Annie Brown of South Haven.

Representative Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) in the 76^th District will go against Republican nominee Casey O’Neill. Owosso Mayor Ben Frederick won the Republican nomination for the 85^th House District in a four-way primary. Mr. Frederick will face Shiawassee Township Supervisor Anthony Karhoff. In the 99^th House District, two Union Township Trustees will compete with Republican Roger Hauck and Democrat Bryan Mielke both securing their nominations. Mason County Board of Commissioners Chair Curt VanderWall will face Democratic former Representative Dan Scripps in the general.

Representatives Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) and Larry Inman (R-Williamsburg) each won their nominations despite challengers. Representative Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township) also defeated her challenger in the 80^th District. Other incumbents who won include Representative Kathy Crawford (R-Novi), Representative Martin Howrylak (R-Troy), Representative Joseph Graves (R-Linden), Representative Brett Roberts (R-Eaton Township), Representative Daniela Garcia (R-Holland), and Representative Tom Leonard III (R-DeWitt).

In the 32^nd race, teacher Pamela Horberger won over the Republican nomination to replace Representative Andrea LaFontaine (R-Columbus). Richmond City Councilmember Jeffrey Yaroch won the Republican nomination in the 33^rd District. Tea party activist John Reilly of Oakland Township won over the Republicans in the 46^th District. In the 70^th District, Edmore Village Manager James Lower crushed his opponents.

Steve Johnson of Shelbyville gained the GOP nomination in the 72^nd House District. In the 77^th District, Tommy Brann of Wyoming won by a 90 to 10 percent margin. Teacher Kim LaSata defeated Ryan Arny of St. Joseph for the 79^th GOP nomination. Tea party activist Shane Hernandez of Port Huron beat longtime legislative aide Matt Muxlow of Brown City in the 83^rd. Thomas Alber, a Marine Corps veteran, narrowly won in the 86^th House District.

In the 89^th House District, Jim Lilly of Park Township won over the Republican support. In the 97^th, state veterans official and Army veteran Jason Wentworth took a decisive win in the Republican primary. Scott VanSingel of Grant won the GOP nomination in the 100^th District. Manton Mayor Michele Hoitenga narrowly beat Marris Langworthy of LeRoy in their primary. Finally, as expected, Daire Rendon of Lake City won her primary in the 103^rd district to succeed her husband Representative Bruce Rendon.

posted by PAA Online , 9:37 AM
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Local Races

Former U.S. Representative Jim Barcia has defeated Bay County Executive Tom Hickner for the Democratic nomination, and will succeed to the position as no Republican is running. This marks one of several elections where former elected officials are seeking local office. Almost all have won, save for former Representative Todd Courser who marginally lost the nomination for Lapeer County prosecutor.

In Oakland County, former Representative Shelley Taub won over former Representative Chuck Moss for the 12^th District nomination. In Macomb County, former Representative Paul Wojno lost to former Representative Fred Miller for the Democratic nomination for Macomb County clerk. Karen Spranger defeated Julie Ann Williams for the Republican nomination for clerk. Former Representative Leon Drolet handedly won the nomination for the 12^th district county commissioner. Former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer lost the 9^th district commissioner race to Elizabeth Ann Lucido. Lastly, former Representative Daniel Acciavatti won the GOP nomination for the Chesterfield Township supervisor.

In Allegan County, former Representative Bob Genetski II beat Jon Campbell for the GOP nomination for county clerk. In Kent County, several current and former House members won their nominations in large because they were unopposed. Among them included Representative Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-Alto) for county clerk, Representative Ken Yonker (R-Gaines Township) for drain commissioner, and former Representative Thomas Hooker for the Byron Township supervisor. Former Representative Kevin Green defeated Nancy Clary for the Republican nomination for Algoma Township supervisor. Finally, in Wayne County, former Representative Lamar Lemmons III lost to Wayne County of Register of Deeds Bernard Youngblood by better than 3-to-1 margin.

posted by PAA Online , 9:36 AM
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Six More Charged in Relation to Flint

Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Friday that 18 criminal charges are being brought against six individuals as a result of the Flint Water Crisis. Three individuals from the Department of Environmental Quality and three from the Department of Health and Human Services have been named.

From the Department of Environmental Quality, former chief of the Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance Liane Shekter-Smith, a current water quality analyst Adam Rosenthal, and a current Community Drinking Water Unit specialist Patrick Cook have been charged. From the Department of Health and Human Services, director of the department’s Program for Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Nancy Peeler, data manager for Health Homes and Lead Prevention program Robert Scott, and former director of the Bureau of Epidemiology and the State Epidemiologist Corinne Miller have also been charged.

According to a statement from the office of the Attorney General, the DEQ failed in their duties to ensure safe drinking water, and continued to run the Flint Water Treatment Plant despite warning signs and the DHHS employees suppressed the information regarding lead in the water.

Ms. Shekter-Smith is being charges with one count of misconduct in office and one count of willful neglect of duty. Mr. Rosenthal faces four charges: misconduct in office; willful neglect of duty; tampering with evidence; and conspiracy. Mr. Cook faces three charges: willful neglect of duty; misconduct in office; and conspiracy. Each of the DHHS employees face the same charges for their alleged role.

Mr. Schuette and Andy Arena, a chief investigator and former head of the FBI in Detroit, commented the investigation is not yet over. More charges are to be expected.

posted by PAA Online , 9:36 AM
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Lawsuit Against House Proceeds

U.S. District Judge Gordon Quist approved on Friday the lawsuit against former Representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat.

Keith Allard and Ben Graham, former aids to the ex-Representatives, can officially proceed with their lawsuit against Courser and Gamrat. Mr. Allard and Mr. Graham placed claims under the First Amendment and the Whistleblower Protection Act. They additionally petitioned for an invasion of privacy claim for personal information having been published in a House Business Office investigation report, however Justice Quist dismissed this.

This decision will open the House up to the discovery process, and the potential for staffers and legislators to be called to testify. Gideon D’Assandro, spokesperson for House Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-Mount Pleasant), commented this ruling gives both parties the ability to make their case.

posted by PAA Online , 9:35 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Flint Receives $20 Million from Federal Government

The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing $20 million toward a $40.4 million infrastructure project in the City of Flint. The project is centered around reconstructing portions of arterial roadways including sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic signals, signage and lighting, and replacing an existing traffic lane with non-motorized travel lanes. This project is expected to be done in tandem with the city’s replacement of water pipes.

Local Tax Increases Passed

Voters on Tuesday passed numerous property tax and fee increase requests, approving about 81 percent placed before them on the ballot. 91 percent of the 95 property tax measures for public safety police, for or emergency medical services passed. 89 percent of the 37 road millages passed as well. Library millages saw 86 percent of the 29 measures passed. Only 8 of the 13 school bond proposals passed however, with the largest more than $100 million in the Port Huron schools.

Dunnings Pleads Guilty

Former Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings pleaded guilty to a felony charge of misconduct in office. In total, Mr. Dunnings was charged with 15 separate crimes, however entered into an arrangement with Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office and pleaded guilty to his misconduct charge and a misdemeanor charge of engaging the services of a prostitute, with other charges being dropped. All charges are pending in Ingham County.

RTA Agreement Reached

Officials of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, as well as the city of Detroit, have reached an agreement on the regional transit finance plan. Details from the meeting were not released, however Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel told reporters the agreement addressed their concerns. The agreement still awaits approval from the RTA board.

posted by PAA Online , 9:34 AM
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