Traverse City Record-Eagle

Region

July 22, 2010

Milliken's statement endorsing Rick Snyder

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Statement by former Michigan Gov. William Milliken upon endorsing Republican candidate Rick Snyder for governor:

"In recent months I have been asked frequently whether I support a candidate for governor.

"I have followed the campaign with intense interest. This election will produce unprecedented change in Michigan's leadership at one of the most perilous moments in our 173-year history. At a time of chronic double-digit unemployment we will elect a new governor, a new attorney general, a new secretary of state, 29 new members of the Michigan Senate and 52 new members of the Michigan House.

"As we choose a new governor for Michigan, we need someone who has the experience, the intelligence and the leadership skills required to hit the ground running in January to begin implementing the change we need. We need a governor whose goal is to pursue innovative and farsighted approaches to turning Michigan around, not just to score a short-term political victory.

"In the process, I have come to the conclusion that one candidate stands out for his experience, his vision and his commitment to working with the entire state. That candidate is Rick Snyder.

"As I have come to know Rick Snyder, I have found he is someone with a long-term vision for Michigan whose goal is to build our state for generations yet to come. He is a decision maker who has actually created jobs — Michigan's number one need. He has very specific plans to create a business climate that will generate the jobs we must have to get Michigan back on track.

"I have found Rick Snyder to be a man who believes the tough job of forging solutions to difficult problems is more important than the simplistic scoring of political points. I have found him to be a person who recognizes that we are one state — that we go up or down together and that the problems of Detroit and other cities in Michigan require the attention of us all.

"I also have found Rick Snyder to be a candidate with a keen understanding of, and strong commitment to, the state's role in protecting the environment. He last week was endorsed by Republicans for Environmental Protection. This week, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, in giving him its first ever endorsement of a Republican candidate for governor cited his "plans to protect Michigan's environment and his position on the role it plays in enhancing business development and job creation."

"I believe Rick Snyder can help end the bitterness and ugliness that has become too prevalent in our political dialogue today. I have every confidence he will work closely with both parties in the Legislature to develop effective public policy and innovative solutions to the problems which confront us. He will seek to bring people together in a common cause, not to drive them apart for short-term political gain.

"I also have found Rick Snyder to be someone who believes it is more important to listen than to talk. He will be open to new ideas and suggestions, no matter where they originate. He is running for governor for the right reason — to move Michigan forward — and he has the intelligence, experience and commitment to make that happen.

"For these reasons and more, I am endorsing Rick Snyder for governor."

Former Gov. William Milliken

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