TRAVERSE CITY — Betsy Coffia chose to run an unconventional campaign for Michigan's 104th House District by eschewing the lifeblood of the modern campaign: Political Action Committee money.
Coffia refused to accept any large donations from organizations or special interests. Instead she's relied on individual donations and an army of volunteers to spread her message.
"This is about the democratic process, which should be about people, not money," said Coffia, a Democrat. "You can't say that and then turn around and take that money."
Coffia's message that special interest money is purchasing — and undermining — democracy resonates with voters, but she faces the "proverbial catch-22," said Ross Richardson, a county commissioner and vice chairman of the county Democratic Party.
"Money in politics is what you use to get your message out, and without the money it's a little difficult to get your message out," he said. "She's a great candidate ... but it costs money to run a race."
Her opponent, two-term incumbent Republican Wayne Schmidt, said he takes her challenge seriously. He's doing all the standard campaign tactics: knocking on some doors, sending out mailings, and paying for a radio ad that encourages listeners to send the "Republican team" back to Lansing.
Schmidt raised over $131,000 this election cycle, much of it from special interests. But since the August Primary Schmidt spent just $19,154 campaigning, and that includes a $4,000 gift to the House Republican Campaign Committee. It also includes travel expenses for campaigning for Republicans in targeted races around the state.
Coffia raised $18,900 for the campaign and spent $10,747 since the primary.
Republicans show no signs of concern about Coffia, though they acknowledge she has run a spirited, well-organized campaign.
"She's not going to beat Wayne, this county usually polls 60 to 40 Republican," said Larry Inman, Grand Traverse County Board chairman and a hopeful to replace Schmidt in 2014.
Coffia said she's been underestimated on other occasions.
"We're making up for not having a boat-load of money with a boat-load of people," Coffia said. "We have so much grass-roots energy, and word of mouth, that's powerful."
Region
Coffia eschews PAC money, convention
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Townships settle 12-year-old lawsuit with Cherryland
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Antrim officials make headway with meth convictions
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Benzie drug death leads to heroin charges
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Students recognized for math club performance
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Northbound Woodmere closed for two days
The city will shut down the northbound lanes of Woodmere Avenue from Eighth Street to Hannah Street for two days for maintenance of a city water line.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 18, 2013
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Powerball ticket buyers hopeful as jackpot swells
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Co-worker of fired tribal employees: ‘They should have known better’
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Jury: Local attorney committed fraud
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Man facing sex charges
A Traverse City man who faces child abuse and criminal sexual conduct charges also is accused of attempting to assault authorities who tried to arrest him.
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Model airplanes take off today in Thompsonville
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Trial scheduled for sex crime suspect
A Kalkaska man who faces 16 counts of criminal sexual conduct is scheduled to appear in court.
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Ex-local resident on 'Wheel of Fortune'
A former Frankfort resident will appear on the national game show “Wheel of Fortune.”
Continued ... - Friday, May 17, 2013
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Parking garage rates to rise
The Downtown Development Authority authorized an increase in transient parking rates at the city’s two municipal parking decks.
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Ex-Traverse City Manager Lewis to head St. Joseph
The city of St. Joseph picked Traverse City's former Manager Richard Lewis as their next city manager.
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Heroin overdose kills man
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No food truck buffet rolled out on first day
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Firings anger Grand Traverse Band members
Tribal officials fired six of their Natural Resources Department employees for shooting a rifle off their office’s deck, a move that’s angered some Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa members who said the punishment is too severe.
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Low-flying helicopters are coming
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Nursing home promises to repay Benzie $484K
The Maples nursing home officials told Benzie County leaders they will repay $484,000 the county loaned the facility by March 2014.
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Traverse City Light & Power joins SUN project
Traverse City Light & Power board members approved the final step in implementing a community solar project in partnership with Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
Continued ... - Thursday, May 16, 2013
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Shananaquet to prison for 25-50 years
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Traverse City eyes bond to fix roads
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Memorial ceremony a tribute to TC's Sgt. Finch
It was a quiet, sunny day when Traverse City Police Sgt. Dennis Finch responded to a call about a man with a gun outside a Wellington Street home.
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