MI Political Week in Review
Gubernatorial Forum Announced!
In case you missed it, this past Monday our sister organization, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund announced the 2010 Gubernatorial Forum. Coverage of the announcement came in from around the state on
The Detroit Free Press, The Saginaw News, Central Michigan Life and on the Blogs (enviro-mich and Michigan Liberal). The public is encouraged to submit questions to the candidates.
By the way, there was a Press Association forum last Friday in Grand Rapids. When asked what were the top short-term priorities, not a single candidate mentioned energy, the environment, natural resource protection or funding. They all talked about the economy, which is great, but missed the boat on how a clean energy economy will create jobs and spur growth.
The Asian Carp
For the latest on the Asian Carp situation, we’re posting regular updates in our Breaking News.
Lana Pollack
One of our founding members and current Advisory Board Members, Lana Pollack, has been nominated by President Obama to serve on the International Joint Commission.
The State of the State
On Wednesday, we heard Governor Granholm’s last State of the State and enjoyed live blogging from our Campaigns Director, Bill Kirk. The Governor said, “where the old Michigan economy was all about autos and manufacturing…the new Michigan economy is much broader: clean energy…”. Yes, we noticed and agree that embracing and supporting the clean energy industry is a fundamental first step in re-shaping the future of Michigan. Granholm also cited our natural resources as one of the “unique attributes that gives Michigan a competitive advantage.” We also agree wholeheartedly with this statement, and hope that it translates into dedicated funding for the DNRE (fingers are crossed).
Campaigns and Elections
The Race for Governor (Filing Deadline: May. 11, 2010 Primary: Aug. 3, 2010) has the current lineup (and links to those candidates who have proposed plans to Save the State):
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard (R)
Attorney General Mike Cox (R)
Congressman Peter Hoekstra (R)
Businessman Rick Snyder (R)
State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith (D)
State Senator Tom George (R)
And here is who is thinking about running:
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero (D) (Mayor Bernero will officially announce on Monday whether he plans to run)
House Speaker Andy Dillon (D)
Former State Treasurer Robert Bowman (D)
Detroit Business Woman and Attorney Denise Ilitch (D)
Former Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee (D)
Former MSU football coach George Perles (D)
Former Congressman Joe Schwarz, M.D. (I)
Former Flint Mayor Don Williamson (D)
All candidates for Governor were required to file their current campaign finance reports on Monday, February 1; you can view those reports on the Secretary of State's website. Republican candidate Rick Snyder leads the pack, having raised $3.2 million so far. Snyder will also be airing a 60-second ad to launch his media campaign during the Super Bowl this Sunday.
Aside from several candidate’s critical reactions to the Governor’s State of the State, and Congressman Pete Hoekstra’s request for feedback about Wind Farms, it’s been a quiet week in the Governor’s race – which is somewhat unusual given the last few weeks. So, let’s take a look elsewhere for news.
On the national scene, our partners at the national League of Conservation Voters have made early endorsements of two Michigan Congressman, Rep. Mark Schauer (D) MI-07 and Rep. Gary Peters (D) MI-09.
The Heat is On
Other news from our sister organization, Mark Neisler, our Global Warming Specialist was quoted in Crains Detroit Business talking about the job creation Michigan can expect with a strong federal energy bill.
Where to find us
If you can’t wait for Friday’s recap of the news, be sure to follow our staff around the state on Facebook and Twitter. Also, catch Executive Director Lisa Wozniak every first Friday on WEMU’s Focus on the Environment.
We also want to hear from you! We’re looking for your Michigan Stories to publish on our new website.
