Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee Endorses Gubernatorial Candidates

DETROIT, June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  After much review and deliberation, the Detroit Regional Chamber's Political Action Committee announced the following endorsements for governor.  In the Democratic primary, the Chamber's Political Action Committee unanimously endorses House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford).  In the Republican primary, the Chamber's Political Action Committee offers a joint endorsement of Rick Snyder, CEO, Ardesta, LLC and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.  

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The unusual step of making a joint endorsement in the Republican primary reflects the difficulty in arriving at a unified candidate in a field of strong Republican contenders for their party's nomination.  U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra (R-Holland) also had strong support among the members of the Chamber's Political Action Committee and was considered a strong candidate for the post.

The Chamber endorsed these three individuals (Dillon, Snyder and Bouchard) based on the key criteria established by the Committee.  First, and most important, were the candidates' ability to develop and implement new solutions to return Michigan's economy to health.  Second, an ability to bring, and respect, diverse opinions in the decision making process.  Third, alignment of the candidate's platforms with the Chamber's positions.  

"The candidates endorsed by the Detroit Regional Chamber's Political Action Committee offer the best opportunity to move our State in a new and positive direction.  These candidates have compelling plans to create more jobs in our State and have a track record of success managing in either business or government environments," said Sandy K. Baruah, president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

The Detroit Regional Chamber PAC Board of Directors regularly meets to identify and support pro-business candidates and policies that support the chamber's public policy priorities.

About the Candidates

House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford) is currently serving his third and final term in the Michigan House of Representatives.  Prior to his public service in Lansing, Speaker Dillon practiced law, served as vice president of GE Capital, and was involved in several business turnarounds including his work as president of the Detroit Steel Company Ltd. (formerly McLouth Steel).

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1990, the Michigan Senate in 1991 and elected Sheriff in 2000.  Sherriff Bouchard is a former police officer and small business owner.

Businessman Rick Snyder formerly served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Gateway computers.  More recently, he has engaged in venture capital work including creation of HealthMedia a provider of internet based wellness and disease management tools headquartered in Ann Arbor.  Mr. Snyder also wrote the business plan and was the first Chair for Ann Arbor SPARK – one of the most successful economic development programs in the country

About the Detroit Regional Chamber

With over 20,000 members, that employ over three quarters of a million workers, the Detroit Regional Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in the country. The chamber's mission is carried out through business attraction efforts, advocacy, strategic partnerships and valuable benefits to members. For more information please visit, detroitchamber.com.

SOURCE Detroit Regional Chamber