Examiner.com article on Detroit Regional Chamber endorsements

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's official portrait

Detroit Regional Chamber endorses Stabenow and State House candidates

This past Thursday, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced its political action committee's endorsement of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow for re-nomination. This event followed the organization's announcement on Tuesday of its endorsements for Michigan State House, including the group's recommendations for all four districts that represent Washtenaw County.

The Detroit Regional Chamber made its decision based on responses to a survey by the organization's PAC, input from PAC members, and personal interviews with leading candidates interested in the its endorsement. The issues the Detroit Regional Chamber considered in making its decision included continued support of the New International Trade Crossing, repeal of the state’s personal property tax, implementation of a system of regional transit, and increased investment in Michigan’s vital transportation system.

The Chamber's Vice President of Government Affairs Brad Williams elaborated on how and why the organization's PAC selected its endorsees in a press release. “The Detroit Regional Chamber PAC selects a bipartisan pool of candidates from our region and across the state who are committed to promoting legislation that will improve Michigan’s business climate. I am confident that the candidates endorsed this year will serve their communities and the state exceptionally well and look forward to continuing the Chamber's commitment to creating public policy that grows the economy and the region.”

The Detroit Regional Chamber PAC endorsed incumbents Mark Ouimet, Jeff Irwin, and David Rutledge for the 52nd, 53rd, and 54th State House Districts. Only Irwin is facing a challenge from Thomas Partridge in the Democratic primary. That should be an easy primary win for him.

On the other hand, they endorsed Adam Zemke for the open 55th District seat. Zemke has no experience as an elected official, but he has served on several government boards, including the Washtenaw County Community Action Board, the Ann Arbor Housing and Human Services Advisory Board, and the Dexter Township Public Safety Advisory Committee. His competition for the Democratic nomination comes from Andrea Brown-Harrison, who is currently serving on the Pittsfield Township Board of Trustees. That could be a tough race and I'm looking forward to covering it.

And that's it for this month's blogging. I hope you all enjoyed my jumping into things!