In search of a leader

The Detroit Free Press came out with their endorsements for governor of Michigan for both parties. The primary is next week. Here's their reasoning:

For GOP: Pete Hoekstra. He has served in the US Congress, where he's not term limited, and thus has had time to learn how to compromise and negotiate to move legislation. This is in contrast to the state legislators who only learn how to toe the party line because their next job will likely come through lobbyists. Hoekstra is also different because the rest (4 other candidates) think they can force their ideas through on charm or that their ideas are so obviously right everyone will naturally see it.

For Dem: Andy Dillon. He is the current Michigan House Speaker, so has some experience herding cats. He is also willing to buck "common wisdom" and traditional Dem supporters to explore new solutions to Michigan's problems. This editorial works to dispel the myth that Dillon is a wolf in sheep's clothing, that he really is a true progressive who compromises to get some gain rather than stick to beliefs and get no gain. Dillon's only opponent is Virg Bernero, who seems to be grabbing hold of hot issues that aren't the state government's to solve (like Wall Street regulation and federal trade policy).

Michigan has been suffering from a lack of leadership. The current governor is a wimp. Both House and Senate are term-limited, so leaders don't have time to develop beyond their ability to make sure lobbyists are satisfied.

As for my important issues… Hoekstra may know how to compromise, but he is still pushing the GOP party line and is endorsed by the Tea Party. He also supports marriage as one man, one woman (as do the rest of the GOP lineup). Dillon opposes gay marriage, but would not deny benefits. He supports civil unions.

And Bernero supports gay marriage. I hear he had a gay uncle or brother who died in the AIDS crisis a couple decades ago.

My vote will be for Bernero, though I won't have much of a problem supporting Dillon in November if he happens to be the candidate.


Publius allows one (at least in Michigan) to see what exactly will be on the ballot. In addition it has links to Free Press and League of Women Voters evaluations. Alas, I won't have much to vote on because the Dem US House, state House, and state Senate candidates are all unopposed. I had wondered why the Free Press didn't bother printing endorsements in these races. Alas, Natalie Mosher, the Dem being thrown against Thaddeus McCotter for the US House is a nobody. Sigh.