By Laura Weber, MPRN
LANSING (MI) –
State House Speaker Andy Dillon formally announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor today.
Dillon has been criticized by some Democratic Party faithful for his favoritism towards business groups and conservative politics. But Dillon says he makes a good candidate because he knows how to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
"To grow our economy and create good jobs," Dillon says, "we can't continue the bitter partisanship in Lansing. We can't exclude government from innovations embraced by the private sector. We can't foster a mindset that says 'I'll get mine, no matter what the cost.'"
Dillon announced his candidacy in a video statement on his campaign website. This comes two days after Lieutenant Governor John Cherry said he would not run for Governor.
Other Democratic candidates include state Representative Alma Wheeler Smith, former Michigan State University football coach George Perles, state Senator Hansen Clark, and former state Representative John Freeman.
Lansing mayor Virg Bernero is also expected to enter the race.