Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Democrat Mark Schauer to challenge Gov. Rick Snyder in 2014

By Paul Egan/Detroit Free Press

LANSING — Former Democratic congressman Mark Schauer announced Tuesday that he is running for governor of Michigan in 2014.

“I’m in!” Schauer said on Twitter. “Today I’m announcing my campaign for governor. I’m ready to run, I’m ready to work & I’m ready to win.”

Schauer, from Battle Creek, made the announcement online on the eve of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, where he is to appear today. He is the only announced candidate seeking to challenge Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who took office in 2011 and is expected to seek a second term. Snyder also is from Battle Creek.

Several prominent Democrats have announced they will not run and are backing Schauer, meaning he stands currently as the likely Democratic nominee.
Schauer represented the 7th Congressional District in 2009-11.

“Rick Snyder has taken Michigan in the wrong direction — cutting schools & raising taxes on seniors,” Schauer said on Twitter.

“We need an economy that works for everyone — not just the wealthy and not just the special interests.”

Snyder is “focused on sound policy” and “will continue to make the long overdue, tough decisions that will help keep our state moving forward and building a strong future for all,” spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said.

“Every stop we do, we come across Michiganders of all backgrounds, communities, small businesses who say they may not have agreed with everything he’s done, but they’re starting to see it make a difference and to keep going,” she said.

Schauer, a former state lawmaker and member of the Battle Creek City Commission, used to run the Community Action Agency in Battle Creek.

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