Dick DeVos for Governor of Michigan

I'm starting to really like the republican candidate for governor in my troubled state of Michigan, and not just because anyone is better than our current resident pro-abortion harpy, Jennifer Granholm.

Dick DeVos is in a dead heat with Granholm right now, and I'd love to see him pull ahead and win it. Goodness knows Michigan needs a change, and so far it seems that DeVos is very palatable on life issues as well (from what I've read, at least).

The Detroit Free Press recently ran an extended article on his election race, which is starting to get some serious national attention:

"You will see Michigan nationalized, and you will see stars from both parties come in," said Debbie Dingell, Democratic National Committee member and party strategist.

Think McCain, Giuliani and Romney on the GOP side; the Clintons, Sen. John Edwards and Sen. Barack Obama for the Democrats. Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York already have been to Michigan for DeVos and Granholm, respectively. Sen. John McCain of Arizona has committed to campaign with DeVos.

Now here's the good stuff:

The DeVoses have supported such right-wing advocates as the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, Council for National Policy and the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty in Grand Rapids, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and Michigan Right to Life.

(sounds like my kind of guy.)

The organizations promote conservative economic and social agendas: free trade and less government regulation, school choice including vouchers, the infusion of Christian beliefs into public life and opposition to abortion and gay marriage. Chris DeWitt, spokesman for Granholm's campaign, said DeVos' support for those causes will be an issue.

(good, let's hope the right side of it wins.)

"Dick DeVos is so far to the right it would make Rush Limbaugh blush," DeWitt said. "He has supported groups that oppose all abortions, oppose stem cell research, oppose affirmative action, support outsourcing and unfair trade agreements, school vouchers, worked against the environment.

(again, sounds like my kind of guy.)

"The DeVos camp has gone out of its way to avoid answering any questions. What they can't hide is the fact that DeVos' actions in support of these groups speak very loudly."

Future governor of Michigan? I hope so.

Now, I realize he won't win this election because he is conservative - Michigan desperately needs a governor with some sort of economic competence, and that's clearly the issue that he'll win or lose the race on. Nevertheless, as an alternative to Granholm he is looking very appealing, both in terms of economic planning and life issues.

I'd be very interested to hear what others have heard about him.

A few DeVos links:

• Campaign page
• Wikipedia entry
• Dick DeVos campaign blog
• DD's book: Rediscovering American Values

[tags: Dick DeVos, Jennifer Granholm]