The shake-up on the Democratic side of who will run for governor this year has continued throughout the month. Recall earlier this month, the presumed front runner for the Democratic nomination, Lt. Gov. John Cherry, decided not to run this year.
That created a whirlwind of activity and rumors regarding potential candidates that would run for governor.
State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith remains the only announced candidate for the nomination.
Two others who announced have since withdrawn. State Senator Hansen Clarke declared as a candidate and then eleven days later withdrew. Former State Representative John Freeman who was an announced candidate also withdrew.
House Speaker Andy Dillon and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero formed exploratory committees and are both likely to get into the race.
Congressman Bart Stupak, who had been considering entering the race decided to remain in Congress. Joe Dumars decided to end the rumors circulating about him and reported that he would not be running.
There are still at least three others who are considering entering the race. Denise Ilitch, a business executive involved with the Ilitch family holdings (Little Ceasars, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings,) is still mulling over the decision.
Dan Kildee, the nephew of Congressman Dale Kildee and a former Genesee County Treasurer, is weighing his options.
One other potential candidate has surfaced this month.. Bob Bowman, who served as State Treasurer under former Gov. Blanchard in the 1980s, and is now a successful business executive with Major League Baseball’s mlb.com, is also considering getting into the race.
We would expect that the potential candidates will announce their intentions in the next month, so we will keep you posted.