National Journal.com

nationaljournal.com > Hotline On Call

The Futures Market: Michigan

February 10, 2006 9:16 AM | |

Share This

What's the Hotline Futures Market? It's our exclusive look at the up-and-comers in every party in every state. You won't a list like this anywhere else. If you've missed a state, check out our archives.

One source, using an expression that we loved, told us that most of the delegation are only leaving DC "feet-first." There are plenty of talented stars here, and GOPers on our list may find themselves an opportunity when Reps. Mike Rogers (R) and Candice Miller (R) move up, a prospect that's not so much an "if" but a "when." Dems are waiting for Reps. Sander Levin (D) and John Conyers (D) to retire, or they're moving back to populous Oakland Co., a nearly essential base to win a statewide Dem primary. At least one Dem was so antsy that he actually filed for Conyers' seat when it was unclear if Conyers would run again, only to drop out when the Rep. himself filed. [REID WILSON]

The stars we've been watching since '03:

  • Oakland Co. Sheriff Michael Bouchard (R): Running for U.S. Sen. against Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D). A former State Rep, he was "always one of the most popular members." He plans to focus on homeland security during the race, something he feels will set him apart from GOPers in the primary and, eventually, Stabenow.

  • Dominos Pizza CEO David Brandon (R): Now the chair of Dick DeVos' Gov bid, the former UM football star has a "bright future, it's just a matter of when he wants to pull the trigger."

  • Ex-MI GOP Vice Chair Victor Diaz (R): He's no longer involved in politics.

  • State Sen. Bill Hardiman (R): Some say he's considering a bid for MI 03 when Rep. Vern Ehlers (R) retires, but others believe the State Sen. "may be as far as he's going to go."

  • Letica Industries CEO Maria Letica (R): An "effective fundraiser," many wonder about her future ambitions. For now, it's unlikely Letica will run for office given that her husband, Henry Saad, was nominated for a position on the federal bench. His nomination remains holed up in the Sen.

  • Ex-Oakland Co. GOP chair Paul Welday (R): Is considering a bid for MI 09 when Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R) retires. "Everyone assumes" it's his seat to run for, although Knollenberg's son Marty is positioning himself for a bid.

  • State House Dem Floor Leader Gilda Jacobs (D): Still in leadership, there's "always quite a bit of buzz around her name," though she may be looking at Oakland Co. positions. Could take a shot at Rep. Sander Levin's (D) seat when he retires.

  • Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence (D): Her name is also floated for Oakland Co. office.

  • State Rep. Doug Spade (D): Term-limited out of the House, but he's "looking to get back into politics."

  • State Sen. Samuel "Buzz" Thomas (D): Had been minority leader in the House, has been contemplating a bid for Rep. John Conyers' district when he retires. Had filed for the race but pulled out.

  • State Rep. Gretchen Whitmer (D): Running in special election in State Sen. "She can raise a lot of money," "The sky's the limit for her." A possible statewide candidate.

  • State Rep. David Woodward (D): No longer in the State House, now Oakland Co. Commiss, chair of Oakland Co Dems, the "go-to guy when it comes to building local parties" around the state. Has concentrated on "building the farm team."

And the stars to watch in the future:

  • House Speaker Craig DeRoche (R): At just 34, he's said to be a future Congressional candidate. Elected Speaker after being in office just 2 years, he's "pretty darn good," especially compared with previous speakers, but term limits might force him out before a higher office opens up.

  • State Sen. Mike Bishop (R): Would be competitive for Knollenberg's seat or for AG if he chooses to run.

  • Sec State Terri Lynn Land (R): Land had been the next choice of the NRSC to run against Stabenow before Bouchard jumped into the race. Some believe that she'll be a hot commodity in the future, as Sec State has been a jumping-off point for a number of MI's higher office holders.

  • State Rep. Andy Dillon (D): Works more with GOPers than other Dems do. "Very polished, I think leadership positions would make sense for him."

  • Battle Creek City Commis. Ryan Hersha (D): In his 2nd term and still just 30, as Battle Creek City Commis, a "real sharp guy," serves in a conservative area and he's "just able to connect with folks." May make a bid for legislature in the near future.

  • State Rep. Barbra Farrah (D): A "proven fundraiser," she's considered a potential leadership candidate in the State House. "Able to cross the aisle" and Dems still like her.

  • State Sen. Michael Switalski (D): He "works his" butt "off." From a political family, "his name is gold." Could run for Levin's seat when he retires, and would be the prohibitive front-runner.