http://www.freep.com/article/20090330/NEWS15/90330018/1285/Hoekstra+enters+race+for+Michigan+governorWith a catch phrase of "Michigan's Future Begins with Us," U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra kicked off his campaign for governor in Detroit this morning.
"We need to begin the process of rebuilding a strong Michigan," said Hoekstra, 55, a Republican from Holland, at press conference at the Inland Pipe Rehabililtation Co. in Detroit. "We will create new opportunities to not only keep our family members, friends, neighbors and our great businesses here at home in Michigan, but attract new companies and residents to our great state."
Hoekstra was first elected to Congress in 1992 and rose through the ranks to become chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee, a position he held until Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in 2006. He remains the ranking minority member of the committee.
Before winning elective office, Hoekstra was an executive at Herman Miller Furniture Co. in Zeeland.
He joins a crowded field of potential Republican candidates for the state's top job, including: state Sen. Tom George of Texas Township, Attorney General Mike Cox, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said this weekend that he's leaning against running for governor.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm can't run again because of term limits. Democrats who have expressed interest in the job include Lt. Gov. John Cherry, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, former Michigan State University football coach George Perles, former Flint Mayor Don Williamson, and Speaker of the House Andy Dillon.
In addition to the Detroit announcement, Hoekstra planned to make stops today at Fraser High School, Lansing and Holland.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0309/Hoekstra_running_for_governor.htmlIt’s official: Rep. Peter Hoekstra declared he is running for governor of Michigan today, entering a crowded field for the GOP nomination.
He made his announcement on a Detroit radio station this morning, and will be kicking off his campaign with stops across the state, including in Detroit and Lansing and his hometown of Holland.
Hoekstra will have plenty of company in vying for the GOP nomination, Already Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, businessman Rick Snyder and state senator Tom George have announced their candidacies.
Two other high-profile Republicans are considering campaigns – Domino’s CEO David Brandon and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.
Hoekstra is the eighth House Republican not to run for re-election, joining Reps. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Mary Fallin (R-Okla.), Gresham Barrett (R-S.C.) and Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.). All are running for statewide office.