As if the field of potential Republican candidates wasn't big enough in Michigan's 2010 contest for governor, another contender is laying the groundwork for a run. Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder announced Thursday that he had formed an exploratory committee to begin raising money for a possible campaign to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Jennifer A. Granholm.
Rick Snyder
Snyder is currently CEO at Ardesta, a technology venture capital firm, and is chairman of Ann Arbor SPARK, an economic development organization focused on bringing business to the city and region. He was president and chief operating officer of computer company Gateway Inc. in the early 1990s.
Snyder, in a release sent to CQ Politics, said his top priority "will be to provide a vision to the people of this state that will give them hope and a clear road map back to sound economic principles and financial security." He also criticized what he called the "lack of leadership and vision of the professional politicians in Lansing," the state capital.
Snyder, a Michigan native who has never held public office, would have to pump up voters' recognition of his name to seriously compete in a race that could include a roster of well-known political veterans.
The long list of those considering the race includes state Attorney General Mike Cox and Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who are both expected to run. Reps. Peter Hoekstra of Michigan's 2nd District and Candice S. Miller of the 10th District are also possible candidates for governor, as are state Sen. Tom George; Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, a familiar figure in the Detroit area; Domino's Pizza CEO David Brandon; and Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard, who in 2006 was the Republicans' unsuccessful challenger to Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
The Democrats appear to have a clear front-runner for their nomination in Lt. Gov. John Cherry, who has served as second to Granholm throughout her two-term tenure as governor. But Cherry could yet draw serious competition for the 2010 gubernatorial primary.
The contest will focus on the deep economic problems in a state that is highly dependent on the struggling auto industry.
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