For Immediate Release: July 27, 2010
ICYMI
National Journal “Bouchard: Sleeper in MI GOV?”
Oakland County – Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for governor, received more national news coverage yesterday when the National Journal said, “watch for Bouchard to make his run…”
In case you missed it, below is the article from a highly regarded national news outlet praising Bouchard’s campaign strategy.
Bouchard: Sleeper in MI GOV?
By Dan Roem National Journal
In the wild, crazy and crowded campaign that is the Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary, one of the less-publicized candidates is in good position to make a late move: Oakland Co. Sheriff Mike Bouchard (R)
With $846K left in the bank, Bouchard enters the final stretch with more cash than anyone else on either side, edging out businessman Rick Snyder (R) by more than $34K.
This is significant because Bouchard has not been a major spender on the airwaves to date yet has remained in the hunt for the GOP nod. Bouchard has only launched 3
TV commercials so far and has not been on the receiving end of any negative advertising aside from his image being nicked in Snyder’s debut ad with the catchline “Michigan has tried career politicians.” That means Bouchard doesn’t have the negatives as, say, AG Mike Cox (R), who has been giving and taking hits throughout the campaign.
Rep. Pete Hoekstra’s (R) winning strategy seems to be set on running up the score in western MI while staying competitive in the southeast. Polls show Hoekstra in solid shape, either in the lead or second place.
As a non-elected outsider, Snyder had to spend big money throughout the campaign to raise his name recognition throughout the state. He went so far as to launch the first TV ad of the campaign during the Super Bowl.
Snyder’s camp openly admits it’s courting cross-over Dems and indies to vote in the open GOP primary, and his endorsement by ex-Rep. Joe Schwarz (R) goes to show he is the only of the major four GOPers focused on moderates, allowing the other candidates to divide the conservative vote between themselves.
Bouchard, meanwhile, has been making a play for the conservative activist vote. Bouchard’s candidacy has stood out for his endorsements alone as he counts “Joe The Plumber” Sam Wurzelbacher, rocker Ted Nugent and Maricopa Co. (AZ) Sheriff Joe Arpaio among his supporters. He also campaigns on the idea of turning union-heavy MI into a right-to-work state.
Snyder’s camp even mentioned that Bouchard has run a solid campaign to date and made a smart decision by hoarding his cash. That money assures Bouchard will be able to compete on-air with the other GOPers during the closing weeks at a level he has not done throughout the campaign. He’s taken a risk by running the farthest to the right in the field, territory occupied by Cox prior to the right-to-work announcement.
However, with money now at his side and GOP voters likely starting to tune in, watch for Bouchard to make his run away from also-ran status to become a serious contender.
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Paid for by Mike Bouchard for Governor
P.O. Box 1433
Royal Oak, MI 48068
I am still not sure who i am supporting for governor (Hokestra or Bouchard) but I highly approve the “Take it to the Unions” position – but will this be in line with Governor Christi from NJ. I want to see the next govenor to take the fight to all the unions (including the Michigan Teachers Union) who are more interested in their own welfare as a union than what is happening to our state and country.
Louis, if you approve the “take it to the unions” position- you CANNOT vote for Hoekstra. He is endorsed by Unions – the teamsters Union- and gets $ from them. And has said it would be a bad position to take b/c it would hurt him politically. No backbone.