Ann Arbor venture capitalist Rick Snyder today submitted some 30,000 petitions to place him on the Republican gubernatorial primary ballot in the August election.
Snyder, former president of computer maker Gateway Inc. and founder of Ann Arbor SPARK, has catapulted from political obscurity into legitimate contention for the Republican nomination. He is placing a heavy emphasis on revitalizing Michigan's economy by reworking the tax code, eliminating most tax incentives and restructuring the state's economic development strategy.
“A new Michigan requires new leadership in Lansing with common sense
solutions and a commitment to delivering results,” Snyder said in a
statement. “It is time for us to work together to remove political
roadblocks that cause our businesses and families frustration and
instead harness our state's innovation. I’m grateful for the support of
so many Michiganders who are working hard to usher in a new era of
innovation in Michigan.”
Ann Arbor venture capitalist Rick Snyder, who is running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in Michigan, speaks at an Ann Arbor town hall forum last month.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Snyder has leveraged an advertising campaign branding him as "one tough nerd" to boost his name recognition. In 2009, he donated nearly $2.7 million to help fund his campaign ads.
The Republican primary is shaping up to be an intense competition. Snyder, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, Attorney General Mike Cox and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard are considered the main contenders.
Hoekstra has led most polls, but one poll released last month showed Hoekstra, Cox and Snyder in a statistical tie for first. The Republican candidates will debate Wednesday at Michigan State University -- the first official debate sponsored by the Michigan Republican Primary.
In the Democratic primary, Michigan Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith are running for the nomination.
Contact AnnArbor.com’s Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com or follow him on Twitter. You can also subscribe to AnnArbor.com Business Review's weekly e-newsletter or the upcoming breaking business news e-newsletter.
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