Looks like he's finally gonna make it official:
Mark Schauer's announcement for governor seals the Democratic field
Get out the Mark Schauer for Governor bumper stickers.
After an arduous journey, the former Democratic Congressperson and senate minority leader has concluded he indeed does want to be governor and will announce his intentions via the Internet today.
Then he will take his fledgling campaign to Mackinac Island on Wednesday to make the announcement in person during the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce event within the shadow of the executive residence now occupied by the gentleman Mr. Schauer wants to remove from office, Gov. Rick Snyder.
All of this has been orchestrated by the new Democratic Party Chair Lon Johnson, who revealed to correspondents months ago that his objective was to avoid a costly and potentially bitter Democratic primary battle for the nomination.
This is fantastic news for Michigan--not just for Democrats, but for the state in general, which has been devastated by a 100% GOP-controlled state government since the Red Wave of 2010.
We made up some ground in 2012, picking up quite a few local races and 5 state House seats, but Republicans still hold the state House and Senate (which wasn't even up for election last year), the Governor's office, the state Supreme Court, the SoS and Atty. Gen. offices. They have a lock, and have caused massive damage to the environment, economy, healthcare and especially education in the process.
I'm thrilled that Gary Peters has signed on to replace Carl Levin in the U.S. Senate.
However, even more important to us here are the State-level offices, and with former Congressman and State Senator Mark Schauer finally making a formal announcement, we have a solid chance at taking out Rick Snyder. With likely SoS and Atty. Gen. candidates Jocelyn Benson and Mark Totten as well as fired-up legislative candidates for state House and Senate across the state, we have a very good chance of turning things around in 2014.
Pray that we do.
Update: Yup, it's official!
Dear Friend,
I wanted to let you know that I just filed the paperwork to become a candidate for governor. I’m ready to run, I’m ready to work, and I’m ready to win in 2014. And I hope you’ll stand with me.
We need a governor who will protect the middle class and invest in education to create good jobs for Michigan workers.
As Governor, I will always have your back. Can I count on you to help kick this campaign off right by donating $10 today?
Rick Snyder has taken our state in the wrong direction.
Snyder raised taxes on pensions and working families, and his cuts to local schools have led to widespread teacher layoffs and higher tuition – all so he could pay for a $1.8 billion tax giveaway to corporate special interests.
Even worse, Snyder’s plan for education includes a secret “Skunk Works” voucher scheme that would cut another $2,000 per student, and replace teachers with teleconferencing.
This governor just doesn’t get it. Snyder thinks that the evidence of a vibrant economy can be seen in boardrooms and stock returns. You and I know that the backbone of a healthy Michigan is a strong middle class.
Rick Snyder has billionaires like Dick DeVos, Donald Trump and the Koch brothers on speed dial, but I’m counting on support from people like you who know we need a governor that fights for the middle class.
It’s time to build an economy that works for everyone – not just the wealthy, and not just the special interests.
Thanks for your support,
Mark