The Greatest endorsed Granholm

Ali is in Granholm's corner - 10/05/06 - The Detroit News Online Ali is in Granholm's corner Boxing icon who rarely endorses candidates backs governor because of stem cell research. David Josar / The Detroit News DETROIT -- Dick Devos has Lee Iacocca. And now Jennifer Granholm has The Greatest. Muhammad Ali endorsed Granholm for re-election as governor Wednesday, applauding her support of stem cell research. Ali and his wife, Lonnie, were to attend a morning rally in Detroit with Granholm but weather grounded the plane they were taking from their Berrien Springs home. Lonnie Ali called Granholm during the event in a union hall to offer support. Her comments were heard by the crowd of about 150. "We believe in the governor and the agenda that she has for the state," Lonnie Ali said. Her husband, a boxing icon, rarely makes political endorsements but this was an important issue, she said. The Alis arrived in Detroit later in the day and spent an hour with the governor at a closed-door fundraiser at the tony Opus One restaurant In the 1980s, Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease -- one of the conditions that scientists hope to cure through stem cell research. Granholm has advocated lifting a ban limiting the use of stem cells and wants to expand that research in Michigan. Her challenger, Devos, supports state law, which allows the use of adult stem cells. But he opposes the use of embryonic stem cells because the embryo is destroyed. DeVos spokesman John Truscott said Granholm has not advocated pushing forward the stem cell research that is currently legal. "She hasn't been leading," he said. The Alis said they nonetheless were happy with what the governor had done. "She wants talented research and businesses around the world, who are working on cures for devastating and gut wrenching diseases right now, to relocate here to our great state, but she's been hindered in her effort to attract them because our laws are too restrictive," the Alis said in a joint written statement. Last month, DeVos was endorsed by Iacocca, the former Chrysler chairman, who cut a commercial on his behalf. You can reach David Josar at (313) 222-2073 or djosar@detnews.com. It's not about which big name each person got to endorse them it's what issues they back. Ole Lee Iacocca basically repeated water down Amway Dick talking points, "Others have given up on Michigan, I haven't" yeah Iacocca but you live in California and basically told a lie about Amway Dick job "creation" record which Amway Dick has none. As Ali knows the stakes if a anti choice, anti science prick like Amway Dick get elected therefore he's going to lean his star power to Granholm. And as for that two bit punk ass John Truscott you should work on your boy's debating skills cuz he sucks at it.