Monday, September 12, 2005

Cassis exits governor race

The Republican state senator's departure clears way for DeVos, Granholm showdown.

By George Weeks / The Detroit News

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The deck was cleared for wealthy businessman Dick DeVos to challenge Gov. Jennifer Granholm next year when state Sen. Nancy Cassis of Novi, his last challenger for the Republican nomination, withdrew and gave him her endorsement.

"I am ending my campaign and will work for Dick DeVos to advance the Republican agenda to create jobs for our state," Cassis said. "He has an excellent organization. It's polished, and he's very energized and committed."

DeVos welcomed her support, saying Cassis "did a wonderful job of bringing forward the issues."

Last month, Rep. Jack Hoogendyk of Kalamazoo, an announced candidate for the GOP nomination, withdrew and endorsed DeVos, former president of Ada-based Amway/Alticor.

U.S. Rep. Candice Miller of Harrison Township and Domino's Pizza CEO David Brandon also recently ruled out bids.

Before she withdrew from the race, Cassis said "it would be an honor and a pleasure" if she ended up as a candidate for lieutenant governor. She cited her service in the Michigan Senate and House, her status as the first woman in state history to chair the powerful House Tax Policy Committee and her residence in voter-rich Oakland County as assets.

Asked if that were still her position, she said: "I am running for my second and final term as senator, period."

Pressed to clarify if that means ruling out being a gubernatorial running mate, she said: "I'm certainly not ruling it in."

Cassis insisted she could best serve "my district, my party and my state" by continued service in the Senate, where she chairs the Finance Committee and is lead Senate negotiator with the Granholm administration on tax policy.

You can reach George Weeks at (517) 371-3660 or gweeks07@aol.com.