In
June 2002, the latest edition and the previous edition can be viewed
on the Web at www.michiganinbrief.org
To order a copy of the handbook, contact Erin Skene at skeneeri@msu.edu
(please note that MNA and Council of Michigan Foundation's members
will receive one complimentary copy in June).
Back
STATE
NEWS
NUMBERS
REACHED; OFFICIALS NOW MUST FIGURE OUT $700 M. BUDGET RESCUE
Gongwer News Service
Next
Wednesday, state officials will formally sit down to begin the process
of working out solutions to Michigan's current budget problems and the
potential problems facing the 2002-03 fiscal year, and the problems
stack up to more than $700 million worth over the two fiscal years.
The
numbers are the result of the revenue estimating conference which concluded
Thursday that total revenues for the current 2001-02 fiscal year will
be nearly $432 million less what was estimated in January. The picture
for 2002-03 is only slightly less troubled, with total revenues expected
to be $382 million less than the January estimate.
Ironically,
the weaker revenue numbers were derived even as economic forecasters
said the economy will improve through the rest of 2002 and probably
be stronger going into 2003.
State
Budget Director Don Gilmer said solving the budget difficulties for
both years would be tough, though 2002 would probably be tougher because
the state has less flexibility both in terms of time and of options
to balance the budget.
And
he repeated earlier comments that all options, including stalling the
rollbacks in the income and single business tax, remain on the table
as a solution. For this year, however, delaying the tax rollbacks would
do little to help keep the budget balanced.
One
of the presenters to the revenue conference said it would be better
for the state to raise taxes then to let the budget go into deficit,
which would leave the state open to a pounding by Wall Street firms.
A
second presenter, though, said in the long run the state would be better
off if it did not raise taxes because that would help draw business.
Democrats
jumped on the numbers, saying it was evidence of Republican inability
to manage the state's resources. Ben Kohrman, spokesperson for the Democratic
Party, said that after one of the best economic periods in state history,
the administration had created a structural deficit that could affect
the public for years to come.
Senate
Minority Leader John Cherry (D-Clio) called for an end to "budgetary
smoke and mirrors. It is painfully evident that the Republican-dominated
Legislature has put our budget in a conundrum. The parties must be willing
to sit down together and make the difficult choices we have been delaying
for too long."
And
House Minority Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) said: "It wasn't
long ago that the Republicans were debating on how to spend the surplus
and now that there is a shortfall they must be held accountable for
their past ineffective and irresponsible decisions."
Mr.
Gilmer said before the meetings on targets would begin staff members
from the different sides would sit down to ensure they agree on such
basic issues as fund balances and welfare caseloads.
He
also said Mr. Engler has been very engaged in the budget discussions
(in other states, he added, budget officers have told him their governors
have said to call when a solution is reached).
Leaders
will shoot for reaching decisions in hopes legislators can still meet
their earlier goal of recessing for the summer campaign by the end of
May, Mr. Gilmer said.
It
is no exaggeration to say the decision concurred to at the revenue estimating
conference by Treasurer Doug Roberts, Senate Fiscal Agency Director
Gary Olson and House Fiscal Agency Director Mitch Bean was the easiest
ever reached publicly since it was agreed to and printed before the
meeting convened.
When
all the fiscal and economic presentations were completed, the three
said they would make their decision. Typically that involves them retiring
with top economic staff to a conference room and 20 minutes to a half-hour
later coming out with their decision. On Thursday, the process involved
the top economic staff pulling a box from underneath one of the conference
tables and passing out the statement.
Mr.
Olson said the three directors and staff members had consulted with
each other over several days before the meeting.
The
decision reached struck essentially a middle ground between the forecasts
of the three agencies, being more optimistic for the current year than
for next year.
The
general fund estimate for 2001-02 of $8.4 billion is $352.3 million
less than January's estimate. It is also $583 million less than the
general fund revenues earned in 2000-01.
The
school aid fund revenues for the current year would total $10.1 billion,
down $79.6 million from January's estimate.
For
2002-03, the three agreed to estimate general fund revenues of $8.4
billion, $320.1 million less than the January estimate, and $2 million
less than the estimate for the current year.
The
school aid fund for 2002-03 is estimated to reach $10.5 billion, a decline
of $62.5 million from the January estimate.
Despite
what every analyst called a relatively easy economic slowdown, Michigan
and every other state-as well as the federal government-was slammed
by significantly reduced annual income tax payments and quarterly income
tax payments. Those reduced payments, due largely to a loss in individual
capital gains income because of the declines in the stock market, were
essentially the one unpredictable element state officials could not
accurately factor, officials said.
Annual
payments fell by $170 million from 2001, officials said, and quarterly
payments fell by $120 million. The annual payments fell by 27 percent
and the quarterly payments by 23 percent, but other states had it much
worse.
In
California, annual payments fell by 44 percent and quarterly payments
by 26 percent, while in New York annual payments were down 33 percent
and quarterly payments by 35 percent.
Mr.
Olson said the consensus figures were "very big numbers to deal
with." Fixing budget problems for this year will be "very,
very difficult" since so much of the spending for the year has
already taken place and can't recalled.
There
still will be reserves the state could look to keep the budget balanced,
he said.
Mr.
Gilmer said the administration will look at negative supplementals,
executive order cuts and taxes, including pausing scheduled tax cuts.
He said state layoffs are not a likely solution because of the size
of the deficit, and because the massive early retirement of 8,000 employees
makes that route "very problematic."
The
problem facing the current year budget is daunting, Mr. Gilmer repeated,
given the approximately four months left to make adjustments by the
time a package is approved in the first week of June at the earliest.
Furthermore, even if legislators and the administration agree to the
politically-charged move to pause tax cuts, it would mean nothing for
the current year budget, Mr. Gilmer said.
But
as challenging as the problem may be, Mr. Gilmer said the deficit will
be handled before the summer break. "This has got to be fixed before
they go home," he said.
Mr.
Gilmer did give an approving nod to talk of raising the state's tobacco
tax, now at 50 cents per pack, and said he was open to discussion of
some other "sin taxes." But he also added that to help protect
the state's AAA credit rating, it would be important to rebuild the
Budget stabilization Fund as quickly as possible, perhaps by earmarking
a portion of a new tobacco tax for that purpose.
The
administration had earlier this year gone to great lengths to protect
the stabilization fund at over $250 million, but Mr. Gilmer said conditions
now make it obvious that option is out the window. "148 legislators
said the same thing, but nobody told us this would happen," he
said. "But 46 states are in exactly the same position."
Mr.
Gilmer said schools will not be as big a target as other areas because
the major budget problem is largely contained in the general fund. And
he said some general fund areas, such as Medicaid, will require more
money because the caseload is growing, though he added that the 5 percent
in provider increases legislators have built into the 2002-03 budget
are
"fantasy-land."
Mr.
Gilmer said he would not entertain one idea being floated elsewhere,
notably Wisconsin, to issue bonds backed by tobacco settlement funds
over the next 30 years. He
acknowledged it would provide an immediate infusion of cash into the
budget but would require paying back to the bondholders far more over
the life of the bonds, and it would mean ditching programs such as the
Merit Scholarship and Life Sciences Corridor projects now supported
by tobacco funds.
"I
don't know how to equate that other than the starving farmer who ate
his seed corn," he said.
Back
STATE
ALREADY WORKING TO REPLACE EARLY RETIREES
Gongwer News Service
The
first of the 7,800 state employees taking early retirement will not
leave until July 1, but the state is already working to hire the 2,000
people who will fill their shoes.
State
Employer Janine Winters and State Personnel Director John Lopez Thursday
announced that about 60 percent of the eligible state employees had
taken the early retirement offer and would be retiring between July
1 and November 1.
More
than 8,000 employees had filed for the retirement, but about 300 had
already rescinded their early retirement requests, they said. Rescissions
had to be postmarked by Wednesday, and they said they were still expecting
some in the mail.
The
Family Independence Agency is already posting some of the positions
it will be looking to fill and the Department of Natural Resources should
follow shortly, Mr. Lopez said.
FIA
will see the most employees go: 2,721 of its 13,038 workers took early
retirement, or about 20.1 percent. The greatest percentage loss for
a full department was Civil Rights, with 21.4 percent of its 173 employees
taking the early out.
For
an agency, the hardest hit was the Unemployment Agency, where 31.2 percent
of its 1,173 employees are taking early out. The Office on Services
to the Aging followed closely with 29 percent of its 31 employees going.
Department
directors are still in negotiations with the governor to keep on some
of those early retirees through as long as February 2004 to assist with
restructuring and transition from the loss of workers.
But
Ms. Winters said the total early retirements were more than the state
expected, so savings could be somewhat higher than the $50 million sought
through the program, though many of the unanticipated departures will
have to be replaced.
Some
of the increase in early retirees above projected levels came from buy-ins,
Ms. Winters said. The state's retirement law changed since the 1997
early out to allow employees to purchase time to qualify for retirement
earlier. She said about 2,000 employees purchased their way into the
program.
The
early retirement program essentially more than tripled the usual 5 percent
turnover in the state's 62,944-person workforce, Ms. Winters said. But
she and Mr. Lopez said the 6,000 net workers lost to the program are
not too much larger than some previous early retirement programs and
some layoffs in the mid-1980s. Of the total, 7,857 have filed for and
not rescinded their early retirement, a 12.5 percent cut in the workforce.
And
they said this system is easier to manage than layoffs because it does
not bring with it the bumping and reshuffling that would accompany layoffs
based on seniority.
Knowing
that at least 2,000 of the positions opening up will have to be refilled
(one fore ever four retirees), Mr. Lopez said the state has begun a
new recruiting program-"Great
Lakes...Great Opportunities"-to bring in the needed workers. In
addition to the traditional methods of job posting, he said the state
also would be posting the jobs directly on the www.michigan.gov
Web site.
The
Department of Civil Service is also working to change its job fairs
from a simple showcase of jobs and careers available through the state
to a hiring point. Through training and testing software, the department
would be offering civil service and other needed exams and interviews
at the job fairs. Offers to eligible people could follow within days,
he said.
The
goal, Ms. Winters said, is to have as many of the positions as possible
filled by December. "They're great jobs with great benefits,"
she said. "A lot of people want to come and work for the state."
About
30 percent of the early retirees are leaving July 1, but Mr. Lopez said
acting now would ensure a smooth transfer. And he said there are some
positions where the state would want to hire replacements before the
retirees leave to allow for some training and job shadowing time.
Ms.
Winters said the state is also taking the workforce drop as an opportunity
to restructure. She said the new hires would not necessarily be going
to the departments losing the retirees or even into the same positions
within those departments.
"We're
going to take another look through our program areas," she said.
"We're going to concentrate on the services that are core to the
mission of the department."
That
means focusing rehiring on the positions that interact with the public
and looking for additional efficiencies in some of the behind-the-scenes
programs.
"In
areas where we can advance technology we're going to look at that,"
she said. For instance, she said, shifting more people to on-line transactions
with the state would reduce the need for some of the workers who handled
the personal interaction portions of those transactions.
"A
lot of departments are finding ways to manage within this and ways to
manage beyond this," she said. "We don't know which departments
are over and which departments are under."
Kelly
Chesney with the State Budget Office said the review could also lead
to elimination of some services. "We have to look at, 'Should we
be doing this,'" she said.
Back
AUDIT
PRAISES C.I.S., ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR NON-PROFIT HANDLING
Gongwer News Service
The
Department of Consumer and Industry Services and the Department of Attorney
General have done exemplary work in the past four years to improve registration
and licensing of non-profit corporations, said an audit of the processes
released Tuesday.
Auditor
General Thomas McTavish, in a performance audit of State Activities
Related to Nonprofit Organizations for the period January 1, 1998, to
June 30, 2001, praised the attorney general for eliminating a five-year
backlog of initial filings for corporations and a seven-year backlog
of filings for charitable trusts during the audit period.
The
report also listed as a noteworthy accomplishment CIS's development
of a half-day seminar for those interested in starting a non-profit
corporation.
The
report did find that the attorney general could better oversee the non-profits
if it charged filing fees and late fees, but noted that these and some
other recommendations would require statutory changes that had been
addressed by the House in the past two legislative sessions but had
not seen a vote in the Senate.
The
report also urged the attorney general to put some of the information
about filings for non-profits on its Web site.
The
department said it is already posting lists of licensed charities on
its Web site and is working to add other information.
Back
SURPRISES
APLENTY IN ELECTION 2002
Gongwer News Service
Forget
Lieut. Governor Dick Posthumus and Sen. Joe Schwarz: Jim Moody says
he is the man Republicans will nominate for governor on August 6. Mr.
Moody provided probably the biggest surprise out of the hundreds of
candidate filings for the August primary finalized on Tuesday, but the
filings also showed dozens of familiar names among the candidate lists
and assured state political junkies of scores of primary battles.
Candidates
trooped into the state Elections Bureau or to county clerk offices in
Michigan's largest counties to beat the 4 p.m. deadline for filing for
state offices. Included in the candidates filing were many individuals
running for the U.S. House, though the deadline for those offices was
moved back to June 11 by the U.S. District Court.
Some
600 candidates filed for the governor's post, U.S. Senate, U.S. House,
Senate and House. When candidates who earlier filed for Court of Appeals,
circuit, district and probate court posts are included more than 1,000
names are listed with the state.
Among
partisan posts, the seat with the most candidates is the 7th House District
with 15, 14 in the Democratic primary, in Detroit.
In
fact, the list of candidates may not yet be complete, as filings from
the state's largest counties could still be compiled and released after
press time. Also, there were reports of delays in Allegan County.
All
the partisan candidates have until 4 p.m. Friday to withdraw from contention.
And
the names of candidates-former legislators making another bid, and relatives
of former and current legislators and former and current U.S. representatives-is
a vast hike down memory lane of state political history. There is a
Hood, a Smith, a Wahls, a Cherry, a Hertel, a Bennane, a Stallworth,
a Cushingberry, a Maynard, an O'Brien, a Lauve and a McMaster. There
are two Wojnos running, two McManuses, two Stupaks, two Lamar Lemmonses
running in two different Senate districts and two Roccas running in
the same House seat. And Henry Stallings is seeking state office again.
Based
on preliminary results there will be at least 52 new House members after
the November election and 27 new members of the Senate.
The
biggest surprise with filings came at the top of the ticket, with Jim
Moody of Farmington Hills filing some 17,000 petition signatures to
earn a spot on the GOP ticket for governor. While he had filed a campaign
committee some months ago, he had issued no publicity and even party
officials were baffled as to whom he is.
He
also filed a week after Oakland County business executive Ed Hamilton
said he would run as a write-in because he could not get enough petition
signatures for the ballot.
Mr.
Moody, 59 and originally from Massachusetts, owns two businesses: a
wood flooring company called Paynter Floors and the Bay Knife Company.
Mr. Moody holds several patents on knife designs. He came to Michigan
in 1966 after being recruited by Ford Motor Company and has also worked
for ASC.
Mr.
Moody said he hired a petition signature firm to help get the signatures
needed and raised 4,000 signatures on his own. He has not run for public
office before and not been active in organized politics, but "I
read the newspapers and you can get quite an education reading between
the lines."
While
he has not run for office before Mr. Moody said he knows how to run
a business and that he is a "common sense type of guy."
Though
he does not have the name identification with the public of either Mr.
Posthumus or Mr. Schwarz, Mr. Moody said it is "very realistic"
that he can win the nomination.
When
he talks with voters, he said, the public agrees with his comments and
his belief that government must work harder.
"I'm
not too concerned with being politically correct. I am concerned with
being morally correct," Mr. Moody said. Legislators and top state
officials must start making moral decisions, and as an example he said
legislators must make the decision to return education to basics instead
of allowing for peripheral programs.
Mr.
Moody said he will file for public funding for his campaign as soon
as he raises the minimum requiring matching donations.
The
other five known candidates-Mr. Posthumus and Mr. Schwarz for Republicans
and Attorney General Jennifer Granholm, former Governor James Blanchard
and U.S. Rep. David Bonior-all filed their petitions to be on the ballot.
There
is one Democrat also running as write-in for the nomination: Tracey
Elaine Stevenson of Detroit. As expected, only two candidates filed
petitions for the U.S. Senate: incumbent Democrat Carl Levin of Detroit
and Rep. Andrew Raczkowski (R-Farmington Hills).
WHO
ARE THESE PEOPLE? AT LEAST 422 FILE FOR HOUSE
Legislators
of yore, new faces, incumbents, locally elected officials-you name it,
the House primary races have it. No fewer than an astounding 422 candidates,
fueled by 52 seats with no incumbent running, filed to run for the 110-seat
House of Representatives before Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline.
Both
parties exuded confidence that they would emerge with control of the
chamber after November elections. Scores of seats are competitive, and
both parties could rightly boast of successful recruitment efforts.
Republicans control the House 58-51 with one vacancy that is reliably
Democratic.
There
were several surprises. First, Democrats-who had hoped to give Republicans
a good fight in the 63rd House District in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties-saw
their hopes go down in flames when former Marshall Public Schools Superintendent
Lou Giannunzio abruptly withdrew from the race, leaving the party without
a candidate.
"It's
a long story, and it's not worth discussing," said Mr. Giannunzio,
who had switched from the Republican to Democratic Party to run. "I've
withdrawn without comment."
Second,
former Sen. Henry Stallings II-who resigned in 1998 under threat of
expulsion after pleading guilty to a felony charge-filed to run for
the ridiculously crowded 7th House District where 14 candidates will
vie for the essential Democratic nomination. Mr. Stallings' plea agreement
stated the charge would be reduced to a misdemeanor if he committed
no further crimes.
Third,
Lawrence Rocca-not related to Rep. Sal Rocca (R-Sterling Heights)-decided
to challenge the legislator with the same surname in the 30th District
Republican primary.
And
while he is not currently a member of the House, Assistant Clerk and
former Rep. David Gubow filed for an Oakland County district judgeship.
The race has nine candidates vying for two openings.
As
each side sifted through the seemingly endless number of candidates,
both said they felt good about their chances.
"I
feel pretty good," said House Speaker Rick Johnson (R-LeRoy). "We've
got some great candidates-in fact multiple ones in some districts. I
definitely believe we can increase our majority with the candidates
that filed."
House
Minority Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) was equally as confident because
of what he described as blue chip candidates and a Democratic tide this
year.
"This
is the best-recruited crop of candidates that we have put up in years,"
he said. "Democrats across the state are energetic and enthusiastic
about their candidates and our prospects for taking back the House."
Among
the former legislators filing for the House: former Reps. Michael Bennane,
George Cushingberry Jr., John Maynard and Alma Stallworth. Former Rep.
Nate Jonker also was expected to run, but his filing had not been posted
Tuesday evening on the Elections Bureau's Web site.
OPEN
SEATS
These districts are seats where the incumbent is not seeking re-election
either because of term limits or to seek a different office and have
a decided leaning toward one political party. The next representative
from these districts will almost certainly be decided at the August
6 primary.
1st:
Three Republicans are seeking to replace Rep. Andrew Richner (R-Grosse
Pointe Park), who cannot seek re-election to this solidly GOP district
based in the Grosse Pointes.
Running
for the key GOP nomination: Grosse Pointe Farms Mayor Edward Gaffney,
director of the Michigan Center for Truck Safety; Grosse Pointe Woods
City Councilmember Eric Steiner, a business owner; and Mary Ellen Stempfle
of Grosse Pointe, a Wayne County Community College trustee and volunteer
manager at St. Johns Senior Community in Detroit. Mr. Gaffney is not
related to Michigan State AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney.
6th:
Candidates are flocking to this heavily Democratic seat, which has opened
up with Rep. Hansen Clarke (D-Detroit) foregoing a final term in the
House to run for the Senate. This central Detroit district comprises
most of the current 7th District and part of the 9th.
Seeking
the pivotal Democratic nomination: Errol Barrow of Detroit, the brother
of 1980s mayoral candidate Tom Barrow and a retired area manager for
the Chrysler Corporation; Marsha Cheeks of Detroit, a teacher and the
sister of U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (making her the aunt of
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick); Fred Durhal Jr. of Detroit, a former chief
of staff to U.S. Rep. Barbara Rose-Collins who finished second to Kwame
Kilpatrick in 1996 Democratic primary for the old 9th; Randall Fogleman
of Detroit, an urban planner; Edsel Jennings of Detroit, a former firefighter
and now spokesperson for the Detroit Fire Department who lost a tight
race in 1998 to Mr. Clarke; Cherry Lawson, Ypsilanti deputy clerk; William
Watkins of Detroit, a director of recruitment for an AmeriCorps program
who ran Rep. Bill McConico's 2000 campaign and has done constituent
work for U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Detroit); and Nancy Williams of Detroit.
Mr. Durhal and Ms. Lawson also are running in the August 6 special primary
in the old 9th District to replace former Mr. Kilpatrick.
7th:
Former Sen. Henry Stallings II, who resigned in 1998 under threat of
expulsion, is making a second comeback attempt this year in a crowded
primary for a district in north central Detroit. Consisting of most
of the current 10th District and pieces of the old 7th and 9th Districts,
Rep. Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) cannot seek re-election because of term
limits in this heavily Democratic seat.
Running
for the key Democratic nomination: Cheryl Anderson-Small of Detroit,
Jesse Cockrel of Detroit; Joseph Gordon of Detroit; Michael Grundy of
Detroit; Stevetta Johnson of Detroit, a social worker; Ken Moon of Detroit;
Harold Murray of Detroit; Bertha Poe of Detroit, a Wayne State University
professor, chair of the NAACP political action committee and former
secretary-treasurer of the Michigan State AFL-CIO; Rita Ross of Detroit;
Virgil Smith Jr., son of former Sen. Virgil Smith who badly lost the
special election to replace his father in 2001; Mr. Stallings, who lost
a bid for his old Senate seat in 1998; Myron "Mike" Wahls
of Detroit, a Wayne County Community College trustee and the son of
the late Court of Appeals judge, who lost the 1996 primary in the old
10th to Mr. Thomas; Carol Weaver of Detroit; and Etta Wilcoxon of Detroit.
Ms.
Ross also is running in the August 6 special primary in the old 9th
District to replace former Mr. Kilpatrick.
8th:
Eleven Democrats have filed in this race for this heavily Democratic
district represented now by Reps. Keith Stallworth and Buzz Thomas.
Both lawmakers are term limited from seeking re-election.
Among
them: Michigan State University student Kristan Anthony of Detroit;
Dorian Coston of Detroit, owner of the environmental sales company KWI
Incorporated and a member of the 14th Congressional District Democratic
Committee; union official Danny Craig, who was an unsuccessful candidate
for the Wayne County Charter Commission and Wayne County Community College
trustee; Wayne County Commissioner and former Rep. George Cushingberry
Jr.; Arnold McKinney Sr. of Detroit; LaShawn Pruitt of Detroit; beverage
salesman Walter Reed III, making his first run at elective office; former
Rep. Alma Stallworth, mother of Rep. Keith Stallworth; U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs environmental specialist Gilbert Thompson, who lost
to Mr. Stallworth in 2000 and 1998; Tonya Wells, a perennial candidate
for various Detroit offices; and Stephanie Young, former chief of staff
to Rep. Triette Reeves and a former legal secretary.
9th:
Several Democrats have filed in the race to succeed term-limited Rep.
Derrick Hale (D-Detroit) in this overwhelmingly Democratic district
on Detroit's northwest side.
They
include: former Rep. Michael Bennane, who served in the House from 1977
to 1996 and would be allowed one more term under term limits. Mr. Bennane
is now an attorney in general practice. Also running is Tony Bradford
of Detroit, who gave Mr. Hale a tough primary challenge in 2000; Marvel
Cheeks of Detroit, an assistant to the House minority leader, staff
coordinator for the Legislative Black Caucus and the brother of U.S.
Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (the uncle of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick)
who lost a 1996 bid for the House; Tupac Hunter, a project manager with
the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation making his first shot at elective
office who has the backing of House Minority Leader Buzz Thomas; Omari
Sankofa, an insurance salesman making his first run at elective office.
Mr. Hunter is the treasurer of the state Democratic Youth Caucus. Danny
Marshall and Oras Taylor Jr. of Detroit also are running.
11th:
Numerous Democrats have filed in the race to represent the seat now
held primarily by Rep. Irma Clark (D-Detroit) in this overwhelmingly
Democratic district. Ms. Clark is opting against re-election to run
for the Senate.
Filing
as Democrats: Annie Carter, a parent and students' rights advocate and
a member of the elected Detroit Board of Education from 1998 until it
was disbanded in a state takeover in 1999; Anthony Cook of Detroit;
Morris Hood III, son of former Rep. Morris Hood Jr. and a auto manufacturing
technician; James Houze, an executive assistant to Wayne County Executive
Ed McNamara and an aide to former Mayor Coleman Young; and Gary Pollard,
former chair of the 15th Congressional District Democratic Party, an
assistant to former Mayor Dennis Archer and now a political consultant.
13th:
Several Democrats are seeking this heavily Democratic district now represented
by term limited Rep. George Mans (D-Trenton) and other Downriver Democrats.
They are:
Southgate City Council President Barbara Farrah; John Harris of Wyandotte,
former Rep. Joseph Palamara's brother-in-law and superintendent of police
for CFX railroad in Michigan; Sheri Sutherby-Fricke of Wyandotte, a
real estate agent and chair of the Wyandotte Zoning Board of Appeals;
Democrat Elmer Trombley of Riverview; and Democrat James Wagner of Wyandotte.
19th:
Former Livonia City Councilmember John Pastor appears to have a clear
path to this Republican-leaning district where Rep. Laura Toy (R-Livonia)
is opting against re-election to run for the Senate. No other Republicans
filed for the race.
22nd:
With Rep. Ray Basham (D-Taylor) term limited, candidates are lining
up to replace him in this solidly Democratic seat in Downriver Wayne
County.
Seeking
the pivotal Democratic nomination: Christopher Dolson of Taylor; Hoon-Yung
Hopgood of Taylor, a former aide to Mr. Basham and the son of the late
Rollie Hopgood, former Michigan Federation of Teachers president; Patricia
Lentz of Taylor, president of Downriver Association of Realtors; Taylor
City Councilmember Jacklyn Molner; Edward Mulka of Wayne; and Donald
Zub, a mayor of Taylor from 1977-81.
27th:
Four Democrats have filed for this solidly Democratic district in southern
Oakland County. They are: Simon Galed, an associate economist with the
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago making his first run for elective office;
Justen Grech of Ferndale; Huntington Woods City Commissioner Jeff Jenks,
who narrowly lost a 1999 special Senate election; and Andy Meisner,
founder of the Michigan Democratic Action Network and corporate communications
director for the Farbman Group realty firm.
28th:
Several Democrats have filed to run in this solidly Democratic seat
now held by Rep. Paul Wojno (D-Warren), who is running for the Senate.
They are: Warren City Councilmember William Barnwell; Debra Jackson
of Warren; Warren's Alan Sheppard, owner of a home inspection service;
Mark Thomas of Warren, a retired General Motors Corporation tool and
die maker and later a business representative with the machinists union;
Lynda Weeks of Warren, an administrative assistant at the human resources
department at Macomb Community College and daughter of former Rep. Lloyd
"Pete" Weeks, who served in the House from 1981 to 1996; and
Lisa Wojno of Warren, a nurse and Mr. Wojno's wife.
34th:
Three Democrats have filed in the race for this heavily Democratic Flint
district now represented mostly by Rep. Vera Rison (D-Mount Morris),
who cannot seek re-election because of term limits.
Among
them: Brenda Jones Clack, an alternative high school teacher and wife
of former Rep. Floyd Clack who has been active in the campaigns of her
husband as well as former Flint Mayor Woodrow Stanley; Flint School
Board member Chris Martin, a social worker on leave from Big Brothers/Big
Sisters who has been endorsed by Ms. Rison in the race to succeed her;
and Flint City Councilmember Edward Taylor, a former state corrections
officer and General Motors Corporation employee who is now an academic
adviser in the Beecher School District.
35th:
Two candidates are seeking to replace Rep. Nancy Quarles (D-Southfield),
who cannot seek re-election because of term limits to this solidly Democratic
district. Seeking the Democratic nomination are Southfield City Council
President Paul Condino and Nita Murray-Grier of Southfield, an assistant
city attorney.
38th:
Novi City Councilmember Craig DeRoche has a clear path in this solidly
Republican district being vacated by Rep. Nancy Cassis (R-Novi) because
of term limits.
40th:
Republicans are lining up to replace term-limited Rep. Pan Godchaux
(R-Birmingham) in one of the most solidly GOP districts in the state.
Seeking
the Republican nomination: Beverly Brode of Franklin, an attorney and
registered nurse; Ara Kachadourian of Bloomfield Hills, owner of a marketing/consulting
business; Orchard Lake City Councilmember James Talpos, an accountant,
Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub of Bloomfield Township,
who has committed $90,000 of her own money to the race; gadfly Bill
McMaster of Southfield Township, familiar in Lansing for his frequent
harangues during legislative committee testimony; and Christine Winans
of Birmingham, executive director of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber
of Commerce.
42nd:
Four Democrats have filed in this solidly Democratic southern Macomb
County district that is mostly covered now by Rep. Mickey Switalski
(D-Roseville), who is opting against re-election to run for the Senate.
One of those candidates will definitely stoke the memories of longtime
Capitol-watchers.
Among
them: Eastpointe Mayor Frank Accavitti Jr.; Diane Kemmis of Fraser;
Roseville City Councilmember Irene Kepler, a recent Central Michigan
University graduate and former aide to Mr. Switalski; and former Rep.
John Maynard of Eastpointe, who inadvertently began the House tradition
of joining in a chorus of "WHY?" whenever a representative
asks that question of the speaker.
The
tradition began after Mr. Maynard in the mid-1980s spoke before the
House chamber one day on an issue and asked "Why, Mr. Speaker,
WHY?" and repeated himself over and over again. Mr. Maynard served
in the House from 1975-90.
44th:
With Rep. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) foregoing re-election to run for
the Senate, five Republicans are looking to replace him in this west
central Oakland County seat-including the son of his past opponent.
Running
for GOP nomination in this Republican-leaning seat: Sean Hogan of White
Lake, a carpenter and the son of Matt Hogan-a Democrat who ran against
Mr. Kowall in 1998 and 2000; Terry Lilley of White Lake; Steve Sanders
of Independence Township, an assistant pastor at Maranatha Baptist Church
in Clarkston; Highland Township Supervisor John Stakoe; and business
owner Russell Tierney of Highland Township.
45th:
Rep. Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) is vacating this heavily Republican district
to run for the Senate. Hoping to replace him: Republicans John Garfield
of Rochester Hills, an Oakland County commissioner; Irene Connors of
Oakland Township; Rochelle Heyniger of Rochester Hills; Craig King of
Rochester Hills, owns a computer animation company; and Michael Howard
of Rochester Hills.
47th:
Several Republicans are lining up for this new solidly GOP district
in western Livingston County: Gregory Bogdanski of Hartland; Howard
Dillman of Pinckney; David Domas, chair of the Livingston County Commission;
Joseph Hune of Handy Township, a journal clerk in the House and a licensed
realtor making his first run for elective office; Buddy Moorehouse of
Iosco Township, former managing editor of the Livingston County Daily
Press & Argus; and John Shepard of Howell.
48th:
The situation in this northeast, Democratic-leaning Genesee County district
may be in flux. Former Rep. Nate Jonker was expected to file for the
Democrats, but thus far only John Gleason of Flushing had his name on
the Elections Bureau's Web site as a Democratic candidate.
58th:
Rep. Steve Vear (R-Hillsdale) is running for the Senate, opening up
this solidly Republican district that covers Branch and Hillsdale counties.
Seeking
the GOP nomination: Bruce Caswell, a former Pittsford Area Schools superintendent,
former teacher and supervisor of Adams Township from 1980-2000; Ken
Delaney of Coldwater Township, station manager for WTVB-AM in Branch
County and co-host of the station's morning show; former Branch County
Commissioner Jerry Hubbard of Union City, who ran for the seat in 1998
and 2000; and Steve Swick of Kinderhook Township near Coldwater, a business
owner.
59th:
With Rep. Cameron Brown (R-Sturgis) opting to run for the Senate instead
of re-election, this solidly Republican district in southwest Michigan
has opened up.
Running
for the GOP nomination: Tim Peterson of Sturgis, a teacher and member
of the Sturgis Planning Commission; Robert Powers of Marcellus, a Cass
County road commissioner; and St. Joseph County Commissioner Rick Shaffer
of Three Rivers, director of a hospice.
61st:
Jacob Hoogendyk of Portage and nurse Melissa Yardley of Portage filed
for this Republican leaning seat being vacated by Rep. Tom George (R-Portage),
who is running for the Senate.
65th:
Jerry Kratz of Grass Lake, former president of the Jackson Intermediate
School District, has a clear path to this Republican-leaning district
being vacated by Rep. Mickey Mortimer (R-Horton), who is running for
the Senate.
66th:
Two Republicans have filed for this solidly Republican seat in Livingston
County now held by Rep. Judith Scranton (R-Brighton), who is term-limited.
They are: Jay Locke of Genoa Township, an engineering liaison for Lincoln
Mercury; and Brighton Township Clerk Chris Ward, the former chair of
the county GOP who has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers.
70th:
Three Republicans have filed in this overwhelmingly GOP district, which
is now represented by term-limited Rep. Larry DeVuyst (R-Alma) and Rep.
Gary Newell (R-Saranac), who does not live in this newly-configured
district. They are: Greenville Mayor Jon Aylsworth, a computer software
company official; and Central Montcalm Board of Education President
Judy Emmons (no relation to Sen. Joanne Emmons), a Bushnell Township
resident and dairy farmer who worked on Ms. Emmons' campaigns; and Kim
Gehrke of Carson City.
72nd:
Four candidates, all Republicans, have filed to run in this heavily
GOP seat in Kent County, which is now held by term-limited Rep. Mark
Jansen (R-Kentwood).
They
are retired U.S. Army Col. Dennis Gillem, an unsuccessful candidate
in 2000 for the GOP nomination for Kent County sheriff and now business
development manager for Goodwill Industries; County Treasurer Kenneth
Parrish of Cascade Township, a former county commissioner and township
trustee who is an accountant by trade; Kentwood resident and school
board member Steven Stapleton, a civil law attorney and former planning
commission member; and Glenn Steil Jr. of Cascade Township, sales chief
at office furniture manufacturer Compatico Incorporated and son of Sen.
Glenn Steil. The younger Mr. Steil is making his first run at elective
office.
74th:
Sen. William Van Regenmorter (R-Hudsonville) has been given a clear
path to this heavily Republican district with the decision of Rep. Jim
Koetje (R-Grandville) to move into the 86th District to avoid taking
on the longtime politician. Mr. Van Regenmorter cannot run for the Senate
again because of term limits.
76th:
Three candidates-one Republican and two Democrats-have filed for this
Grand Rapids-based Democratic-leaning seat currently held by Rep. Steve
Pestka. They are: Mark Kubik, a financial manager who heads the firm
Westminister Financial Company. Mr. Kubik, a Republican, is making his
first run at elective office; and Michael Sak, a Democratic Kent County
commissioner since 1986 and now an assistant principal at the Math Science
Academy in Grand Rapids. Lange Montfort of Grand Rapids also has filed
as a Democrat.
78th:
Rep. Ron Jelinek (R-Three Oaks) cannot seek re-election to this solidly
Republican southern Berrien County seat because of term limits. Seeking
the GOP nomination: Berrien County Commissioner Neal Nitz of Baroda,
a farmer; Niles Township Treasurer Jim Ringler, owner of an auto parts
business; Marc Schoeneich of Three Oaks, a state trooper; and Donald
Young of Niles.
82nd:
Seven Republicans have filed in this district comprising Lapeer County,
which will now elect one of its residents to the House after years of
representation by lawmakers from outside the county. Parts of the new
district are currently represented by Reps. Jud Gilbert, who is running
for the Senate and lives in St. Clair County anyway, and Stephen Ehardt,
whose new district does not include Lapeer County.
Among
the candidates: Goodland Township Supervisor Ron Cischke, Bob Hawley
of Lapeer's Arcadia Township, a Christian missionary and journeyman
carpenter; Lapeer County Road Commissioner Douglas Hodge, a real estate
appraiser and former school board member; Paul Muxlow of Lapeer's Burnside
Township, brother of former Rep. Keith Muxlow and a former teacher and
former member of the Brown City School Board who now sells real estate;
and toolroom engineer John Stahl of Arcadia Township, who is making
his first run for elective office. Also running are Myrah Kirkwood of
Oxford and Kip Reaves of Imlay City.
88th:
The situation in this heavily Republican district was uncertain Tuesday
evening. Six Republicans were expected to file for the overwhelmingly
GOP seat being vacated by Rep. Patricia Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) due to
term limits. But only one candidate-a Democrat-was shown by the Elections
Bureau Web site as having filed. A campaign manager for one of the candidates
said Tuesday evening that the candidates had filed. The bureau reported
delays in getting information from the Allegan County clerk, where candidates
for this seat file, so that may explain the problem.
90th:
With Rep. Wayne Kuipers (R-Holland) foregoing a last term in the House
to run for the Senate, this southern Ottawa County district-arguably
the most solidly Republican in the state-has opened up.
Seeking
the decisive GOP nomination: Bill Huizenga of Zeeland, director of public
policy for U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-Holland); and Case Van Kempen,
of Holland, senior pastor of the Maplewood Reformed Church.
98th:
Four Republicans have filed to run in this safely Republican district
that is covered mostly by Rep. Tony Stamas (R-Midland), who is running
for the Senate, but also by Reps. Jim Howell, who no longer lives in
the district, and A.T. Frank, who is term-limited.
The
candidates are: Ann Doyle of Freeland, a former district aide for Mr.
Howell for runs an appraisal business with her husband; Jonesfield Township
Supervisor Larry Fleming, who has held his post since 1978 and a former
information technology specialist with the Dow Chemical Corporation;
James Ornsby of Fremont Township; and John Moolenaar of Midland, a former
school administrator, past Midland city council member, and former chair
of the Midland County GOP. Mr. Moolenaar has been endorsed by Mr. Stamas
and U.S. Rep. David Camp (R-Midland).
101st:
Rep. David Mead (R-Frankfort) is leaving the House to run for the Senate,
opening up this district that stretches along the Lake Michigan shoreline
through the Leelanau Peninsula.
Hoping
to replace him in this Republican-leaning district: Manistee County
Commissioner Jeffrey Dontz of Manistee, a senior production operator
for Shell Oil Company; Pere Marquette Township Supervisor Eugene Jorissen,
a retired teacher; and David Palsrok of Manistee, the executive director
of Connect Michigan, an organization founded by Ameritech to lobby and
educate on telecommunications issues.
104th:
Two Republicans have filed in the race for this solidly GOP Traverse
City-area seat now held by Rep. Jason Allen (R-Traverse City), who is
running for the Senate. They are: Michael McManus of Traverse City,
brother of Sen. George McManus (R-Traverse City) and the father of former
Rep. Michelle McManus, who is running for the Senate this year; and
Peninsula Township's Howard Walker, a former Traverse City school board
member and a professional land surveyor.
SWING
SEATS
These seats are where control of the House will be decided because of
the relatively even number of Democratic and Republican voters. Some
are considered competitive because one party has fielded a strong challenger
to an incumbent. Others are viewed as competitive because the incumbent
is not seeking re-election, creating an opportunity for both parties
to grab the seat.
The
level of competitiveness varies in these seats. Some are true toss-ups.
Others lean toward one side, but it is plausible the other party could
spring an upset and win.
15th:
Local Democratic activist Hugh McDonald of Dearborn is challenging Rep.
Gary Woronchak (R-Dearborn).
17th:
Both parties could be looking at competitive primaries in this Wayne
County district that has long been a battleground. Most of the seat,
which encompasses Redford, northern Dearborn Heights and a small piece
of Livonia, is now represented by term-limited Rep. Bob Brown (D-Dearborn
Heights).
On
the Republican side, Redford Township Trustee Miles Handy, former Wayne
County Commissioner Kathleen Husk and Jill Parent of Redford are running.
Among Democrats, Dan Paletko, Dearborn Heights City Council president,
and Patrick McRae, who lost a 1998 House bid to Rep. Laura Toy (R-Livonia),
are in the race.
21st:
Democrats think they may have a chance in this Republican-leaning district
based in Wayne County's western suburbs because Rep. Bruce Patterson
(R-Canton) is declining re-election to run for the Senate, but the seat
still leans GOP.
Running
for the Democrats: Eric LaCruze of Belleville and Mark Slavens, a wealthy
attorney and president of the Plymouth-Canton School Board. Running
on the Republican side, Ruthann Bruce of Canton, Canton Township Trustee
Phil LaJoy and Herb Scott, a local Republican activist who waged a token
bid for county executive in 1998 against Ed McNamara and vice president
of a pharmaceutical distributor.
23rd:
Democrats have managed to hold onto this Downriver-based district for
years despite major efforts by the Republicans, but with redistricting
and the term-limiting of popular Rep. George Mans (D-Trenton), they
have a strong chance this year.
A
crowded primary is shaping up on the Democratic side among Brownstown
Township Trustee John Cronin, Gibraltar City Councilmember Kathleen
Law, John Mitchell of Huron Township, Democratic activist Wade Mitchell
of Brownstown Township and John Reilly of Grosse Ile. The Republican
seeking the seat, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor Doug Jones, will face
the winner of the Democratic nomination.
24th:
Republicans badly want to take this seat along the Lake St. Clair shoreline
now held by Rep. Bill Callahan (D-St. Clair Shores), who is term limited.
Both parties will have primaries.
Running
for the Democratic nomination: former St. Clair Shores City Councilmember
Frank Benson, the vice president of Millwrights Local 1102 in Warren;
Thomas Cornfield of St. Clair Shores, a disabled veteran who lost a
race for city council; and Yann Iannucci of St. Clair Shores.
On
the Republicans side Jack Brandenburg, who lost a close Senate campaign
to Sen. Ken DeBeaussaert (D-New Baltimore) in 1998; and St. Clair Shores
City Councilmember Bill Nearon, who lost a 2000 challenge to Mr. Callahan,
are running for the seat.
25th:
With Rep. Jennifer Faunce (R-Warren) opting to run for a Macomb district
judgeship instead of re-election, Democrats are heavily targeting this
seat that straddles northern Warren and southern Sterling Heights.
Steve
Bieda, who lost a close race to Ms. Faunce in 2000, is expected to be
the Democratic nominee. Seeking the Republican nomination: computer
programmer Ken Paige of Warren, businessman Keith Sadowski of Warren
and Warren City Councilmember Mike Wiecek.
32nd:
Democrats in Lansing believe they scored a big recruitment win with
the candidacy of John J. Hertel in this district where no incumbent
resides, but Mr. Hertel-the son of Macomb County Board of Commissioners
chair John C. Hertel-will have to get through a primary first. Ken Krauter
of Chesterfield, an electrician for Ford, also is seeking the Democratic
nomination in this district that covers northeast Macomb County and
parts of southern St. Clair County and includes the elder Mr. Hertel's
district.
Three
candidates are vying for the GOP nomination: businessman Dan Acciavatti,
who finished third in the 2000 special Republican primary won by Rep.
Leon Drolet (R-Clinton Township); Cindy Berry of Chesterfield, an aide
to Mr. Drolet; and Joseph Yelencich of Richmond, a former mayor and
a firefighter.
37th:
A major battle is brewing in this Oakland County district where Rep.
Andrew Raczkowski (R-Farmington Hills) cannot seek re-election because
of term limits, but there will be primaries on both sides.
Former
Farmington Hills Mayor Aldo Vagnozzi, who nearly pulled a shocking upset
of Mr. Raczkowski in 2000, is back this year for the Democrats. But
he will face a primary challenge from attorney Charisse Heath of Farmington
Hills, a Yale Law School alumna.
Three
Republicans are running for their party's nomination: John Akouri, an
aide to U.S. Rep. Joseph Knollenberg; Valerie Knol of Farmington, an
Oakland County Republican official and a marketing manager; and Oakland
County commissioner Terry Sever, a former Farmington Hills mayor.
39th:
With the increasingly Democratic nature of West Bloomfield, Democrats
are watching this race to see if an opportunity to deprive Rep. Marc
Shulman (R-West Bloomfield) of a third term develops.
Three
Democrats are seeking their party's nomination, but the candidate with
the best chance of giving Mr. Shulman a race would be West Bloomfield
Township Trustee Stuart Brickner. Also seeking the Democratic nomination:
Robert Goulet and Reginald Kakos, both of West Bloomfield.
43rd:
Both parties have fielded strong candidates in this new district based
in Waterford Township where no incumbent resides. It is now represented
by Reps. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) and Marc Shulman (R-West Bloomfield).
Oakland
County Commissioner Fran Amos is the Republican candidates while Waterford
Township Clerk Betty Fortino is carrying the Democratic banner.
51st:
Republicans are hoping to deny Rep. Pat Lockwood (D-Fenton) of a third
term behind the candidacy of Genesee County Commissioner David Robertson,
a former representative.
52nd:
Rep. Gene DeRossett (R-Manchester) will have his hands full trying to
win a third term in a district that is almost entirely different than
his old one, which was based in western Monroe and southern Washtenaw
counties.
Mr.
DeRossett's new district stretches from northern Ann Arbor to southwest
Washtenaw and loses Monroe County. Most of it is now represented by
Rep. John Hansen (D-Dexter), but a showdown between the two incumbents
was averted by Mr. Hansen's decision to run for the Senate. Mr. DeRossett
faces a GOP primary challenge from Ingrid Depp of Manchester. Vying
for the Democratic nomination: Washtenaw County road commissioner Pam
Byrnes of Chelsea and attorney David Nacht of Ann Arbor.
55th:
Democrats are hoping to capture this seat, which essentially is Mr.
DeRossett's current district.
Seeking
the Democratic nomination: Monroe County Commissioner Gail Hauser-Hurley
of Bedford. Hoping to keep the seat in the GOP column: Bob Bykowski
of Pittsfield Township, who lost the neighboring 53rd District race
to Rep. Chris Kolb (D-Ann Arbor) in 2000; York Township Supervisor Bill
Dean; and Matt Milosch of Bedford, who finished third to Mr. DeRossett
in the 1998 GOP primary.
56th:
Democrat Joshua Sacks, a Monroe attorney, is challenging Rep. Randy
Richardville (R-Monroe) in this Democratic leaning district. But Mr.
Richardville may not see as strong a challenge this year as he seeks
a third and final term in the House.
62nd:
Republicans are hoping that Mike Nofs of Convis Township, chair of the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners and the retiring head of the local
State Police post, can snare this seat, now held by term-limited Rep.
Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek). But Democrats are equally confident that
Ted Dearing, Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce president and former
Battle Creek mayor, will keep the seat in their column.
63rd:
What had the potential to be a competitive race has gone up in smoke
for Democrats with the surprising decision of Lou Giannunzio of Marshall,
a former Marshall Public Schools superintendent, to withdraw from the
race-apparently leaving the Democrats with no candidate in the district.
The
district is now held by Rep. Jerry Vander Roest (R-Galesburg), who is
foregoing re-election to run for the Senate.
Republicans
have a star-studded cast lining up for the GOP nomination: Marshall
City Councilmember Matt Davis; Ottavio Guarisco of Richland, a former
village council member and member of village and Richland Township boards;
Pennfield Township Supervisor Judy Mackinder; Comstock Township Trustee
Bill Shields; and Kalamazoo County Commissioner Lorence Wenke of Richland.
67th:
Republicans have solid candidates running for this district where no
incumbent now lives, but Sen. Dianne Byrum (D-Onondaga) will be very
tough to beat in this Ingham County district now represented by Reps.
Virg Bernero (D-Lansing) and Paul DeWeese (R-Williamston).
Former
Lansing City Clerk Steve Dougan, Mary Hamilton of Delhi Township, Priscilla
Peterson of Holt and Leslie Township Supervisor Donald Vickers are seeking
the GOP nomination. Ms. Byrum, barred from seeking Senate re-election
by term limits, is eligible for two more terms in the House.
81st:
Rep. Lauren Hager (R-Port Huron Township) is being challenged by Jeddo
Democrat Colin Rumsey.
84th:
Democrats are elated with the candidacy of Tuscola County Sheriff Tom
Kern of DeFord, believing he can give Rep. Tom Meyer (R-Bad Axe) a tough
race.
85th:
Rep. Larry Julian (R-Lennon) is seeking a third term in this Shiawassee
County-based seat that leans Republican, but Shiawassee County Road
Commissioner Russ Kregger of Owosso will try to unseat him for the Democrats.
Mr. Julian has a token primary challenge from perennial candidate Vern
Fosnight of Victor Township.
91st:
Democrats are hoping to capture this seat now held by Rep. Jerry Van
Woerkom (R-Norton Shores), who is foregoing re-election to run for the
Senate. Muskegon County Commissioner Nancy Frye of Holton is carrying
the Democratic banner in the race.
There
will be a primary on the GOP side with real estate developer David Farhat
of Fruitport and Kenneth Walcott of Norton Shores, a retired Mona Shores
Public Schools superintendent seeking their party's nomination.
94th:
Rep. Jim Howell (R-St. Charles) crushed a highly touted and well-funded
Democratic opponent in 2000, but Democrats say they think they have
found the right candidate to take down Mr. Howell this year as he seeks
a third term. Saginaw Township Clerk Tim Braun switched parties to run
as a Democrat and challenge Mr. Howell.
Mr.
Braun will have a primary first though. First-time office-seeker Joseph
Albosta of Saginaw Township, a retail manager, also is seeking the Democratic
nomination.
97th:
Primaries are shaping up on both sides in this new district stretching
from Bay County westward to Clare County where no incumbent now lives.
The district is now represented by Reps. Sandy Caul (R-Mount Pleasant),
Joseph Rivet (D-Bay City) and Dale Sheltrown (D-West Branch).
Running
for the Democratic nomination: Clare County Commissioner Jennifer Elkins
of Lake, business owner Rex Gibson of Kawkawlin; and Deb Zarazua of
Pinconning. On the Republican side, Ronald Actis of Gladwin County's
Billings Township, a business owner who lost to U.S. Rep. Jim Barcia
(D-Bay City) in 2000; David Coker Jr., a township trustee in Clare County's
Surrey Township and a funeral director; and Timothy Jay of Pinconning,
a farmer and member of Pinconning Township's Downtown Development Authority
are seeking their party's nomination.
99th:
Democrat Justin Eastman of Sanford is challenging Rep. Sandy Caul (R-Mount
Pleasant).
103rd:
Republicans are hoping to deny Rep. Dale Sheltrown (D-West Branch) of
a third term behind the candidacy of Ken Carlson of Roscommon, a real
estate agent and former local official.
106th:
A crowded race is shaping up in this district now mostly held by Rep.
Andy Neumann (D-Alpena), who is foregoing re-election to run for the
Senate, and Rep. Ken Bradstreet (R-Gaylord), who does not live in the
newly drawn seat. Republicans view this seat as one of their best opportunities
to nab a district now held by a Democrat.
Hoping
to keep the seat in the Democratic column: attorney Matt Gillard of
Alpena; Roy Spangler of Roscommon; and Alpena Township Supervisor Marie
Twite, who may withdraw.
Republicans
running for the seat: Richard Fortier of Ossineke Township, who owns
an electrical contracting business; Grayling City Councilmember Jerry
Hayes, a teacher and former Kirtland Community College trustee; Mark
Hunter of Alpena, an attorney who lost a 2000 bid for mayor; Alpena
City Councilmember David Karschnick Sr.; Alpena County Commissioner
Thomas Mullaney of Alpena, a police officer; and Grayling Mayor David
Wyman, owner of a bed and breakfast.
107th:
The Upper Peninsula has been showing signs of trending more Republican
(George W. Bush carried the once Democratic stronghold in 2000) and
Rep. Scott Shackleton (R-Sault Ste. Marie) has been a part of that move.
He is seeking a third term, but will be challenged by Democrat Gary
McDowell of Rudyard Township, chair of the Chippewa County Board of
Commissioners.
108th:
Republicans have been indicating they are interested in pursuing this
seat now held by Rep. Doug Bovin (D-Gladstone), who is running for the
Senate instead of re-election. Democrats are not worried: Menominee
Mayor Laurie Stupak, wife of U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) and
a former Department of Social Services employee, is running. Her Republican
opponent, Thomas Casperson of Escanaba, is a logging truck company owner
and operator making his first run at elective office.
PRIMARY
CHALLENGES TO INCUMBENTS
These are seats where incumbents seeking re-election face challenges
from fellow Democrats or Republicans for their party's nomination in
the August 6 primary. At this point, at least four appear to be serious
contests while others may prove to be only token opposition or challengers
gearing up to run again in two years, when the incumbent may be term
limited from office.
2nd:
Rep. Ken Daniels (D-Detroit) faces a challenge for the Democratic nomination
from LaRassie Britton of Detroit.
3rd:
Rep. Artina Tinsley Hardman (D-Detroit) faces three primary challengers,
all from Detroit: Bettie Cook Scott, postal service worker Terence Hood
and Gregory Parks
4th:
Five candidates are challenging Rep. Mary Waters (D-Detroit) for the
Democratic nomination as Ms. Waters seeks a second term: John Edmondson,
a probation officer from Detroit, Sharon King of Detroit, Chester Logan
of Detroit, Dion Thomas of Detroit and Delores White of Detroit.
5th:
Rep. Bill McConico (D-Detroit) faces a challenge for the Democratic
nomination from Jenifer Franklin of Highland Park.
10th:
Three Democrats are challenging Rep. Triette Lipsey Reeves (D-Detroit)
for the Democratic nomination to deny her a third term.
Running
against Ms. Reeves: Robert Bull of Detroit; Carolyn Chambers of Detroit,
a neighborhood city hall manager in the administration of former Mayor
Dennis Archer and the vice president of the 14th Congressional District
Democratic Party; and Marie Thornton of Detroit, an activist against
the Detroit school takeover of 1999.
Ms.
Chambers said she has no complaint with Ms. Reeves, but is running because
she enjoys community service. Ms. Thornton has lost recent bids for
the formerly elected Detroit Board of Education and the Wayne County
Commission. She criticizes Ms. Reeves for "whining" about
Detroit's legislators being outnumbered.
12th:
After surviving a tough primary challenge in 2000, Rep. Belda Garza
(D-Detroit) faces another primary this year with Otis Mathis III of
Detroit contesting her for the Democratic nomination. Mr. Mathis is
a former Wayne County commissioner and business owner who charges that
Ms. Garza is out of touch with the district. Steve Tobocman of Detroit
also is seeking the Democratic nomination.
20th:
A nasty primary is brewing as businessman Jonathon Grant of Plymouth
challenges Rep. John Stewart (R-Plymouth Township) for the Republican
nomination. Betsy DeVos' Great Lakes Education political action committee
is expected to back Mr. Grant because of Mr. Stewart's opposition to
charter school expansion.
Right
to Life of Michigan also will be looking to defeat Mr. Stewart, who
supports abortion rights. Mr. Grant opposes abortion.
Another
factor to watch in this race is involvement by Rep. Bruce Patterson
(R-Canton), who represents the neighboring 21st District and is running
for the 7th Senate District, which covers the 20th House District. Mr.
Patterson and Mr. Stewart have been feuding during the 2001-02 term.
Mr.
Grant said he and Mr. Patterson "talk every week," mostly
about how the campaign is going although Mr. Grant said he's not getting
any coaching from Mr. Patterson. However, Mr. Patterson did make a $1,000
donation to Mr. Grant from his Commander's Majority political action
committee.
Mr.
Stewart's allies have fired pre-emptive strikes at Mr. Grant over his
Web site, which contained material laced with vulgarities. Mr. Grant
said he created the Web site as a public forum for Plymouth residents
to talk local politics, but did not himself write the material, which
he said was posted by others.
Mr.
Grant said he was not recruited to challenge Mr. Stewart, who has rankled
some of his fellow House Republicans, but made the decision on his own
after meeting him because he felt the incumbent had lacked a strong
record in Lansing.
30th:
In an unusual situation, local Republican official Lawrence Rocca of
Sterling Heights has filed to challenge Rep. Sal Rocca (R-Sterling Heights)
for their party's nomination. The two are not related, but Lawrence
Rocca, treasurer of the 12th Congressional District GOP, said the incumbent
Rocca has had his chance and it's time for new leadership.
36th:
John Modrzejewski of Shelby Township is challenging Rep. Brian Palmer
(R-Bruce Township) in the Republican primary as the lawmaker seeks his
first full term.
46th:
Rep. Ruth Johnson (R-Holly) faces a token challenge from perennial candidate
John Lauve.
54th:
Rep. Ruth Ann Jamnick (D-Ypsilanti) is seeking a third term, but attorney
John Anderson of Ypsilanti Township is contesting her for the Democratic
nomination.
86th:
Facing the prospect of defending his 74th District seat against Sen.
William Van Regenmorter (R-Hudsonville), Rep. Jim Koetje (R-Walker)
opted to move from Grandville to Walker to run in the new 86th District.
But
with the district mostly new turf for Mr. Koetje, he has his hands full
with three Republican challengers-physician Wayne Creelman of Grand
Rapids Township, Bob Eleveld of Grand Rapids Township and attorney Ross
Leisman of Ada. The three have complained that Mr. Koetje portrays himself
as the incumbent despite being new to most of the district.
89th:
There are big-time bragging rights at stake between the House and Senate
as Sen. Leon Stille (R-Grand Haven) seeks to oust Rep. Barb Vander Veen
(R-Allendale) in the Republican primary. This one already has gotten
testy with both sides slinging arrows at the other.
The
race also will be a test of the pre-term limits generation (Mr. Stille)
vs. the post-term limits generation (Ms. Vander Veen).
92nd:
Rep. Julie Dennis (D-Muskegon) faces two challengers for the Democratic
nomination: teacher Thomas Nolan of Muskegon and Gregory Roberts of
Muskegon.
96th:
Rep. Joseph Rivet (D-Bay City), seeking a third term, faces a challenge
for the Democratic nomination from Colin Hintz of Bay City.
100th:
In a test of the Michigan Education Association and the Great Lakes
Education political action committee, two GOP challengers are seeking
to oust Rep. Mike Pumford
(R-Newaygo) in the Republican primary.
They
are: Leavitt Township Supervisor John Herremans and business owner Dave
Noble of Newaygo, president of Michigan Ducks Unlimited and a former
planning commissioner in Fremont.
Mr.
Pumford has been a staunch support of traditional public schools in
the Legislature. Unlike the 20th District, where Right to Life also
will be working against the incumbent, this race will better test Ms.
DeVos' group to see if it can oust an incumbent.
The
main challenger to Mr. Pumford appears to be Mr. Noble, who calls himself
the "true Republican" in the race criticizes Mr. Pumford for
siding too often with the Michigan Education Association teachers union.
Although he has not yet been endorsed, Mr. Noble said he has had "several
conversations" with Ms. DeVos.
Mr.
Herremans, whose township (population: 845) is in eastern Oceana County,
is soft spoken and declined to discuss Mr. Pumford's record.
MORE
THAN 50 CURRENT/FORMER HOUSE MEMBERS SEEK SENATE
A decade after the voters imposed term limits, it has struck the Senate
and 27 current members are ineligible for re-election. Ever since the
2000 election the expectation was that the elections for state Senate
would be a riot of current and former House members running for the
27 open seats, and Tuesday's deadline did not disappoint those expectations.
Better
than 50 current and former House members are running for the Senate,
setting the stage for potentially intense primary battles.
In
fact, there are only six districts-the 8th, 11th, 14th, 27th, 28th and
37th-that so far show no primary battle in at least one party. And that
list may be incomplete because former Southfield Mayor Don Fracassi
has said he will challenge Rep. Gilda Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods) for
the Democratic nomination.
Both
parties are confident they have the candidates that can win them a majority.
Republican campaign chair Sen. Ken Sikkema of Grandville could not be
reached Tuesday, but Monday he said the GOP was fielding great candidates
who if they ran good campaigns with adequate resources could hold onto
the Senate that Republicans have run for 18 years.
Democratic
campaign chair Sen. Bob Emerson of Flint also said his party had fielded
good candidates in the marginal seats that could win the Democrats back
the majority they lost in 1983.
Much
of that will depend on how candidates at the top of the ticket do, but
Mr. Emerson said any of the Democrats running for governor could beat
the Republicans, and in the U.S. Senate race, "I can't think of
anybody who's going to vote for Rocky, except rock-ribbed Republicans.
So six out of 10 voters are already voting Democratic to start."
The
Democratic candidates as a group should also make it easier for the
party to raise money this election cycle, Mr. Emerson said.
There
are some disappointments. Former Rep. Paul Baade is not running in the
34th District. Viewed by Democrats as possibly their best hope, Mr.
Baade's wife has not been well and he did not want to make a commitment
taking him away from her. Democrats Bob Schrauger, who has run for Congress,
and Eric Visger challenge each other.
And
in the 25th District, Democrats had hoped former Rep. Karen Willard
would run, but she has not.
Democrats
were glad though that former House Minority Leader Michael Hanley will
run to challenge Sen. Mike Goschka (R-Brant) in the 32nd District. Mr.
Hanley does face two primary opponents and Mr. Goschka will also face
a primary opponent.
Among
the curiosities in the races are the two Lamar Lemmons. Current Rep.
Lamar Lemmons (D-Detroit) is among six Democrats running in the 2nd
District which includes Sen. Martha Scott (D-Highland Park) and former
Sen. Michael O'Brien.
The
second Lamar Lemmons is running against Sen. Ray Murphy of Detroit in
the 1st District. Also running in that district is Rep. Hansen Clarke
of Detroit. A total of five Democrats are running in that seat.
While
primary battles galore are in the Senate, some observers are already
watching keenly are:
5th
DISTRICT: Incumbent Sen. Burton Leland (D-Detroit) and Rep. Derrick
Hale (D-Detroit) face off against each other in this race, and the two
have made no secret of their dislike for each other. Whoever wins the
Democratic nomination will win the district, though three Republicans
are vying for the nomination in that seat.
7th
DISTRICT: House Majority Floor Leader Bruce Patterson (R-Canton) will
face off against former Rep. Gerald Law in this Downriver and western
Wayne District that features a district where Republicans run from deeply
conservative to more moderate. The winner of the nomination will likely
face Rep. George Mans (D-Trenton) in the general election although he
has a primary against Wade Bielby of Trenton.
9th
DISTRICT: Rep. Paul Wojno (D-Warren) and former Rep. Dennis Olshove
square off in this solidly Democratic district.
10th
DISTRICT: In another battle in a likely Democratic Macomb district,
former Rep. and current State Education Board Member Sharon Gire will
challenge Rep. Mickey Switalski (D-Roseville). A third Democrat Roger
Maceroni is also running in the district. Sterling Heights City Councilmember
Steve Rice is the Republican candidate.
13th
DISTRICT: The Republican battle in this race is one of the closest watched
that will feature two women who support abortion rights running against
one of the most conservative and controversial legislators. Incumbent
Sen. Shirley Johnson of Royal Oak already has her campaign going against
Rep. Pan Godchaux and Rep. Robert Gosselin. While the district demographics
would favor either Ms. Johnson or Ms. Godchaux, some pro-choice observers
fear the two could cancel each other out to let Mr. Gosselin win.
15th
DISTRICT/24th DISTRICT: Though on opposite sides of the state, these
two districts have been tied by a personnel controversy in the House.
In the 15th, Rep. Nancy Cassis of Novi is challenged by Rep. Mike Kowall
of White Lake; a third person, David Wolkinson, is in the race. In the
24th Rep. Patty Birkholz of Saugatuck is running against former Rep.
Terry Geiger (again a third person, Joe Wicks, is in the primary). Mr.
Geiger and Mr. Kowall are both represented by Murray Communications,
run by Jennifer Murray, and Ms. Birkholz and Ms. Cassis were accused
of demanding the discharge of Ms. Murray's husband, Mike, from the House.
The two House members have strongly denied the charge.
20th
DISTRICT: In one of the few races featuring two incumbent House members,
Republican Reps. Tom George of Portage and Jerry Vander Roest of Galesburg
are facing off against each other. Former Rep. Ed LaForge is the likely
Democratic winner.
23rd
DISTRICT: Rep. Virg Bernero (D-Lansing) has already challenged former
Rep. Lingg Brewer to six debates in the district. While considered a
Democratic seat, Rep. Paul DeWeese (R-Williamston) is expected to mount
a formidable challenge.
33rd
DISTRICT: Two former Representatives-one who is also a former senator-challenge
each other in this district. Alan Cropsey and Jim McBryde, two of the
most conservative lawmakers of the last several years, are fighting
for the nomination and almost certain victory, against a third Republican,
Dennis Stewart. Democrat Mark Munsell is also in the race. Mr. Cropsey,
having served twice in the House, is shooting for his second trip to
the Senate.
38th
DISTRICT: Rep. Doug Bovin of Gladstone faces off against former Reps.
David Anthony and Michael Prusi in this Democratic stronghold. The winner
will face Republican David Schoenow in November.
Back
APPOINTMENTS
BY GOVERNOR
Gongwer News Service
COMMISSION
ON DISABILITY CONCERNS: Kimberly Borowicz of Lake Orion succeeds Barbara
Ambriogio as a representative of the general public for a term expiring
March 5, 2003; and Ron Bower of North Branch succeeds Esther Shumaker
as a representative of the general public for a term expiring March
5, 2005; John Pedraza of Grand Ledge succeeds the late Heidi Van Arnem
as a representative of the general public for a term expiring March
5, 2004; Peter Sundholm of Rapid River succeeds Doreen Zamesnik of Champion
as a representative of the general public for a term expiring March
5, 2005; and reappointments of Circuit Judge Duncan Beagle of Fenton,
Kenneth Frensley of White Lake, Ian Minicuci of Troy, Judith Trapp of
Alpena and William Tregenza of Rochester, all for terms expiring March
5, 2005.
READING
LEADERSHIP TEAM: Tamara Artis of Kalamazoo as a representative of teachers,
Sharon Banks of Lansing as a representative of eligible local educational
agencies, Sen. Loren Bennett of Canton as a representative of the chair
of the Senate Education Committee, Terrence Campbell of Canton as a
representative of adult education providers, Rep. John Hansen of Dexter
as a representative of the ranking member of the House Education Committee,
Rep. Wayne Kuipers of Holland as a representative of the chair of the
House Education Committee, Sen. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township as
a representative of the ranking member of the Senate Education Committee,
Al Pscholka Jr. of Stevensville as a representative of community-based
organizations, Marie Schoenlein of Detroit as a representative of family
literacy service providers, Jacquelyn Thompson of Lansing as a representative
of state directors of federal of state programs, Kim Towne of Highland
as a representative of instructional aides, Dorothy VanLooy of East
Lansing as a representative of state director of federal or state programs,
Linda Wacyk of Grand Ledge as a representative of parents, Superintendent
of Public Instruction Tom Watkins as a representative of that office,
and Michael Williamson of Northville as a representative of private
professional development providers, all for terms expiring at the pleasure
of the governor.
Back
FEDERAL
NEWS
GOV'T
OVERSIGHT OF EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS
National Council of Nonprofit Associations
In
past updates, we reported that Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) requested
the General Accounting Office (GAO) to investigate how effectively the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) oversees charitable organizations. Last
week, a draft summary of the GAO Report was released by the Direct Marketing
Association Nonprofit Federation. The GAO's three basic findings include:
1.
"Form 990 data alone are not adequate for oversight, and caution
is warranted in using the data." The greatest concern is how
charities are reporting expenses.
2. "[J]udging the adequacy of [the IRS's] oversight is difficult.
Even so, concerns arise because IRS's resources have not kept pace
with growth in the charity sector." Moreover, the IRS "does
not plan to measure the overall compliance of charities with federal
tax laws and Form 990 requirements. . . ." Over the past 5 years,
IRS staffing has fallen while the number of exemption applications
and Forms 990 filed increased.
3. "State officials believe that IRS does not share enough data
to help them oversee charities. * * * IRS has agreed to improve its
sharing of data that states can receive and to work with the Treasury
and state officials to explore possible changes to federal law to
expand data sharing with the states."
None
of these findings are particularly surprising. As soon as the full and
finalized GAO report is released, we will share its findings with you.
Without
waiting for the final GAO report, Senator Grassley, as Ranking Republican
Member of the Senate Committee on Finance, is continuing his own inquiry
into the problem of misleading fundraising solicitations by unscrupulous
charities. He is particularly concerned with wish-granting organizations,
such as the Children's Wish Foundation International, Inc. (CWFI) that
has been the focus of many state investigations, proceedings, and lawsuits
over the past decade. Senator Grassley has sent letters to the heads
of the Department of Justice, Internal Revenue Service, and Federal
Trade Commission, asking them to respond to a number of specific questions
on their enforcement practices. Some of the questions posed include:
"Explain
how FTC identifies and stops fraudulent or deceptive fund-raising activity
committed by U.S.-based entities through their agents located offshore.
Please include in your answer whether FTC works with federal, state
or local charity regulators or other law enforcement agencies to identify
illegal fund-raisers. If you answer is in the negative, explain why
not."
"At
what point, and under what circumstances, does IRS consider revoking
the tax-exempt status of misleading charities like CWFI? Please describe
the process in detail, including in your response all of the criteria
you consider."
"As
stated in this letter, CWFI may have hidden its extensive telemarketing
expenses under a self-styled heading, 'production services,' rather
than list such amounts on its Forms 990, Line 30. Describe any IRS procedure
that explains how IRS considers such novel categories used by tax-exempt
entities to report their expenses or income. Moreover, state whether
IRS subjects such categories to additional scrutiny to determine whether
such categories or the expenses or incomes that they represent are allowable
under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). If your answer is in the negative,
explain why not."
"I
am aware that the National Association of Attorneys General and National
Association of State Charity Officials (NAAG/NASCO) have urged that
the provisions of IRC Section 6103 be relaxed to permit IRS to share
certain examination information and records for IRC Section 501(c)(3)
organizations with appropriate state agencies for limited use. Explain
whether IRS shares NAAG/NASCO's view on this subject."
"Will
DOJ investigate CWFI and/or Reese Brothers [CWFI's primary telemarketer]
regarding any of the complaints outlined in this letter? If your answer
is in the affirmative, I request that you keep the Committee informed
of the progress of your investigation and any actions taken as a result
thereof. If your answer is in the negative, explain why not."
Back
SURVEY
FOR NONPROFITS WITH GOV'T GRANTS
OMB Watch
Federal
agencies are now working to streamline the federal grants process. We
are conducting an online survey of nonprofits to provide input to the
agencies on priorities.
In
1999, Congress passed the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement
Act, Public Law 106-107 initiating a process to create uniform grant
applications and reports. (The law is the result of nonprofits advocating
for this streamlining process and passed Congress unanimously.) Federal
agencies are now working to implement the law, and a major focus of
the program is E-Grants.
OMB
Watch is co-sponsoring with GuideStar and the Urban Institute the Streamlining
Nonprofit Grants Management Project, which is a nonprofit sector response
to this federal initiative. We are organizing a sector-wide network
to address grants management issues of special interest to nonprofits.
We will prepare and submit comments and recommendations to the federal
government and facilitate implementation of selected recommendations.
Nonprofits
that receive government funds are urged to complete the survey and join
the Streamlining Grants Management Project's network to help us establish
priorities for nonprofit federal grantees.
Click
here to complete the survey http://www.ombwatch.org/php/survey/ombw/survey57.php
Back
MNA’s
Official Sponsor –
The Rehmann Group: Need
help navigating the complex legislative, legal, and tax issues facing
nonprofit organizations? Our team of CPAs and Business Advisors can
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