Ann Arbor's Ned Staebler picks up major endorsements in 53rd District state House race
The AFL-CIO labor group has announced its support for Democrat Ned Staebler of Ann Arbor in the 53rd District state representative race.
The announcement comes amid a flurry of endorsement activity that saw Staebler's campaign gain support from several groups.
Ned Staebler
In addition to the AFL-CIO, Staebler also has earned the endorsements of the United Auto Workers and the Michigan Democratic Party's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Caucus.
“It’s an honor to receive endorsements from these groups," Staebler said in a statement. "I believe that fairness, equality, and opportunity are vital to maintaining the vibrant community we enjoy today. I'm proud to be supported by people who work hard to protect the rights of all Michigan residents."
The UAW represents more than 150,000 workers in Wayne, Monroe, and Washtenaw counties. The AFL-CIO represents about 600,000 current and retired workers statewide. Both groups cited Staebler’s record of accomplishment and his experience in creating jobs as the main reasons for their endorsements.
LGBTA Caucus Chair Phil Volk also praised Staebler.
"I have known Ned for years and he is always there supporting the LGBT community and fighting for equality," he said. "Ned is a person of honor and compassion."
Staebler’s campaign previously announced it had gained the support of the Michigan Education Association and Ann Arbor Education Association. In addition, Staebler says his campaign is picking up support from numerous elected officials, business leaders, and other mainstays in Ann Arbor's progressive community.
“I am very pleased with the campaign's broad range of support,” he said. “We've started strong and are continuing to work hard. We’ve already knocked more than 10,000 doors throughout the district, and the Ann Arborites I talk with are eager to move forward and invest in Michigan's future."
While he's campaigning, Staebler is on a leave of absence from his job as a vice president at the Michigan Economic Development Corp., where he oversees the state's 21st Century Jobs Fund, a 10-year, $2 billion initiative to transform Michigan’s economy.
His campaign focuses on environmental protection, investment in education, and restructuring Michigan’s economy.
Staebler lives in Ann Arbor’s Fourth Ward with his wife Annie and their 3-year-old son Teddy, who is the seventh generation of Staeblers to live in Ann Arbor. The Staebler family traces its roots in Ann Arbor back to 1831.
Staebler will face off against fellow Democrat Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor in the Aug. 3 primary for a chance to replace Rebekah Warren in the House. Warren is running for state Senate and has endorsed Irwin's campaign to replace her.
Four Republicans are running in the primary: Robert Stearns, Gideon D'Assandro, Chase Ingersoll and Matthew Novetske.
Click here for a map showing state House districts.
Click here for a list of candidates running for office in Washtenaw County.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Alan Benard
Wed, Jun 16, 2010 : 6:07 a.m.
@lorie: Having seen how people are treated when they try to reform the county Democratic Party, and given my complete and utter disgust with the state party, those bona fides do not impress.
pseudo
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.
@Alan - interesting spin. Do you want to count Jeff's experience as a county commissioner? His current and very long time relationships in Lansing? I don't know. I think I'd take a long-time very solid county commissioner over an investment banker ANY DAY!
The Picker
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 6:33 p.m.
So this Jobs Fund money was acuired the old fashion way, through a lawsuit. How socially just.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.
@Top Cat I'm meeting up with Ned on Friday to talk about his campaign and will be asking him about the 21st Century Jobs Fund. In the meantime, I'll point you to a recent Free Press story that showed Ann Arbor has received a majority of loans from Michigan's 21st Century Jobs Fund: http://www.freep.com/article/20100523/BUSINESS06/5230448/Bold-experiment-produces-few-jobs From the story: "Money for the jobs fund came from the 1998 settlement of a national lawsuit against the tobacco industry. In order to gain $1 billion upfront, Michigan sold to investors about a third of the $6.2 billion it would receive over 20 years from the settlement." It's my understanding that the other $1 billion that makes it a $2 billion initiative was supposed to come from matching funds. But like I said, I'll report more on this later after I talk to Staebler. Here's the 21st Century Jobs Fund website: http://www.michiganadvantage.org/Targeted-Initiatives/21st-Century-Jobs-Fund/Default.aspx
Alan Benard
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 1:31 p.m.
Going by their Web sites... Ned Staebler has worked as an investment banker, and Jeff Irwin has worked as an state-level environmental lobbyist. Ned Staebler calls for consolidating school districts; Jeff Irwin calls for capping educator salaries.Ned Staebler wants more spending for higher education to support start-up enterprises; Jeff Irwin wants to limit road development and invest in public transportation (and UM technology mentoring programs). It appears to me that Ned Staebler concurs with his opponent Jeff Irwin on all social justice issues. That he also has won support from business leaders might mean that he is recognized for his experience in this area and better-defined vision, while appearing to labor and LGBTA groups as simply more electable.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.
What he has is political savvy and relationships with people in Lansing. Voting for Irwin would be a huge mistake for the district. Stabeler will not be a newbie to the scene and our area will definitley benefit from taht alone. Stabler all the way!!
DagnyJ
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 12:49 p.m.
Ugh. What did he promise these groups?
Top Cat
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.
Where exactly are all these jobs that Ned has "created" and where does the money come from for this "Job Fund"?
pseudo
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 12:26 p.m.
I am disappointed with the LGBT Caucus's endorsement. Jeff Irwin is fabulous on LGBT issues and much more skilled at move lgbt issues forward in a government structure. Does the cross over from LGBT and Union issues have anything to do with the endorsement? Mr. Volk is a huge union supporter and while the two groups are quite friendly and agree on many issues, this one might not be so reflective of the LGBT Dems true feelings. Sounds like Volk is good friends and follows the union.
xmo
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 12:19 p.m.
Wow, this guy has groups backing him who do not like each other! Gays, labor, education and local business leaders. I wonder what he is telling each group to get their support?