Political Insider
Democrats, GOP spin Mike Nofs' win in 19th District
Republican and Democratic party leaders had vastly different takes on the significance of Tuesday's lopsided victory for the GOP in the state Senate race in the 19th District, which includes all of Calhoun County and most of Jackson County.
Former Rep. Mike Nofs of Battle Creek walloped Rep. Martin Griffin of Jackson, 61-34 percent in a district that leans Democratic.
State Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said the amount of cash Republicans spent on the race "shows how desperate they were to win and prove they still have a pulse in this state," alluding to heavy GOP losses in the past couple of general elections. He said Democrats didn't concede the special election so much as Republicans bought it.
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Nofs raised $298,752 to $33,265 for Griffin. An analysis by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network shows Nofs spent $148,000 on TV ads while GOP-oriented interest groups bought another $214,642 worth of spots in the race. Griffin didn't advertise on TV.
Michigan Republican Party Chairman Ron Weiser acknowledged "we did invest in this race, it's an important race." He said Democrats had the same opportunity and the fact they didn't sink money into the race indicates they didn't believe the race was winnable.
He said Nofs' resounding win was a repudiation of the policies of President Barack Obama , Gov. Jennifer Granholm and other Democrats.
"I've never heard of buying a 27-point win," Weiser said. "This was about message. The other candidate and the Democratic Party are out of touch with what the people in this state are thinking."
The victory gives the GOP a seat last held by Democratic Congressman Mark Schauer and a 22-16 edge in the Senate. It also means Democrats will have a tougher time winning control of the chamber next year.
Veep help
Biden ready to stump for Reps. Peters, Schauer
Vice President Joe Biden is heading to Michigan to help raise money for two Democratic congressmen.
U.S. Reps. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township and Mark Schauer of Battle Creek are co-hosting the Monday morning Michigan Democratic Party fundraising breakfast at Detroit's MGM Grand Hotel.
Both are freshmen elected in 2008 who are expected to face tough challenges in 2010.
The party said Wednesday tickets are $1,000. A VIP reception costs $5,000.
Biden last visited Michigan on Aug. 5, when he stopped in Detroit.
Contributing: Mark Hornbeck and Detroit News wire reports. News tips? nassendelft@detnews.com
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