Images from Election Eve rallies in Ann Arbor

Posted on Tue, Nov 6, 2012 : 5:59 a.m.

Images from Election Eve rallies in Ann Arbor

By Ryan J. Stanton

An energetic crowd of Democrats awaits the arrival of U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow outside the Ford School at the University of Michigan during an Election Eve rally Monday night.

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An energetic crowd of Democrats awaits the arrival of U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow outside the Ford School at the University of Michigan during an Election Eve rally Monday night. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

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An energetic crowd of Democrats awaits the arrival of U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow outside the Ford School at the University of Michigan during an Election Eve rally Monday night. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_001_fullsize.jpg
"If we want to have a state government that focuses on funding education, that focuses on working toward the future, that focuses on protecting our environment, we have to elect Gretchen Driskell," said state Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, who is supporting Driskell over state Rep. Mark Ouimet, with whom Irwin served on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners before they both were elected to the state House in 2010. "We have to get out there and make sure that we squeeze every single vote out for Gretchen Driskell," Irwin said. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_002_fullsize.jpg
The four Democrats hoping to represent Washtenaw County in the Michigan House for the next two years. From left, 54th District state Rep. David Rutledge, D-Superior Township; 52nd District candidate Gretchen Driskell; 55th District candidate Adam Zemke; and 53rd District state Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_003_fullsize.jpg
"I know where you guys are, which is you want to have a successful future and graduate from college and make it affordable, and Lansing is going in the opposite direction," Driskell told a crowd of mostly University of Michigan students Monday night at Weill Hall. "And we're all fed up, right? That's why I'm running — I'm fed up with what's been going on in Lansing." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_004_fullsize.jpg
Mike Henry, co-chair of the Ann Arbor Democratic Party, said the Democrats had more than 1,000 volunteers in Ann Arbor who were out knocking on doors, dropping campaign literature and making phone calls in the final hours before the election. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_005_fullsize.jpg
Shauna Ryder Diggs and Mark Bernstein are both Democrats who are seeking election to the University of Michigan Board of Regents. "While I was standing here, I was remembering my years as a young Dem on campus back in the 1980s supporting Lana Pollack," Diggs said. Bernstein said he wants to work to keep college affordable: "Skyrocketing tuition is on the ballot tomorrow. Crushing student debt is on the ballot tomorrow. Tuition equality is on the ballot tomorrow." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_006_fullsize.jpg
Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi, who beat his primary opponent by one vote in 2010, knows firsthand that every vote counts. "One vote changed my life," he said. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_007_fullsize.jpg
Democrat Carol Kuhnke, who is running against Republican Jim Fink for an open judge seat on Washtenaw County's 22nd Circuit Court bench, described the differences between her and Fink as she sees them: "I'm the only person running in my race who believes in marriage equality. I'm the only person running in my race who believes in a woman's right to chose what happens to her body. I'm the only person running in my race who believes in public schools." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_008_fullsize.jpg
The always energetic Debbie Dingell, wife of U.S. Rep. John Dingell, gave a pep talk to get the crowd fired up about voting for Barack Obama. "None of us want to forget where we were four years ago and how we were about to see an economic system collapse because of policies people want to take us back to," she said. "And let's remember where we are: We're out of Iraq. We've brought Osama bin Laden to justice. The auto industry is back. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is over. We are less dependent on foreign oil. And we have created 5.5 million new jobs." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_009_fullsize.jpg
A member of the crowd holds up a sign supporting U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who is competing against former Republican Pete Hoekstra to keep her seat. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_010_fullsize.jpg
Arguing that America's middle class is at stake in Tuesday's election, Stabenow said Democrats are in it for everybody, "even the 47 percent." She added, "Community is a good thing. Caring about other people is a good thing." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_011_fullsize.jpg
The crowd listens to Stabenow speak Monday night. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_012_fullsize.jpg
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout Michigan on Tuesday. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_013_fullsize.jpg
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, took a few jabs at Romney. "Heres's a guy who was against the auto bailout," he said. "It would have cost Michigan 1 million jobs . They'd have shut the state down and the last guy out would have turned out the lights. That's what he'd have done to us." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_014_fullsize.jpg
Dingell wore two buttons Monday night: One advocating a yes vote on Proposal 2 to enshrine collective bargaining rights in the Michigan Constitution, and another that simply reads, "Keep it made in America." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_015_fullsize.jpg
Judge Connie Marie Kelley, left, and University of Michigan law professor Bridget Mary McCormack are two of the three Democrats seeking seats on the Michigan Supreme Court, along with Judge Shelia Johnson. "Judge Kelley, Judge Johnson and myself believe that the court is supposed to be the place where being right is more important than being popular or being powerful," McCormack said. "It's supposed to be the place where fairness trumps strength and it will be in Michigan after tomorrow." Kelley recalled her days as an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan and working at the Brown Jug, a popular student bar on South University. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_016_fullsize.jpg
55th District state House candidate Adam Zemke said he spent four hours on Monday driving around dirt roads in western Washtenaw County and he's confident Tuesday is going to be a good day for Democrats. "I knew that because every time you saw a Pete Hoekstra sign for Senate, you saw two Debbie Stabenow signs," he said. "And I'll tell you, every time you saw a Mark Ouimet sign laying down in the dirt ... you saw six houses with Gretchen Driskell signs, so that's how I know we're going to win." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_017_fullsize.jpg
Mayor John Hieftje encouraged the crowd to make sure to vote yes on the city's parks millage renewal, as well as a new tax for art in public places. "It's a tenth of a mill, which is the smallest possible millage," he said. "It'll cost the average property owner less than $1 a month, but it would allow us to decorate this city with public art and I hope you'll believe in that." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_018_fullsize.jpg
"It is a really important race," Driskell said of her race against Ouimet. "It is one of the few races that can get the House back in Democratic hands and that's the only way we're going to make progress." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_020_fullsize.jpg
Democrat Evan Pratt, pictured, is up against Republican Eric Scheie in the race for Washtenaw County water resources commissioner in Tuesday's election. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Democrats Election Eve Rally/cache/Dems_election_eve_110512_RJS_023_fullsize.jpg
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, left, greets Josh Romney, son of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, during a campaign stop at the Romney campaign's Ann Arbor office on Monday night. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_001_fullsize.jpg
Josh Romney talked about the power of prayer. "Everywhere I go, the one thing that always means the most to me is inevitably a number of people come up and whisper into my ear and just say, 'Hey, we're praying for your parents, we're praying for this country,' and when we get together as a family, we think about the millions of prayers that are being said every day for this country and those prayers have great power. That's part of the reason why I'm so confident about our win here in Michigan." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_002_fullsize.jpg
Matt Romney said he and his brother wouldn't be out campaigning if their dad, Mitt Romney, was running for president for personal reasons. "If he were doing this for personal ambition or sort of the next stage in his career, we would not be here," he said. "We're here because we know why he's running. His motivation is love of country and serving others." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_003jpg_fullsize.jpg
State Rep. Mark Ouimet, left, shares a laugh with Gov. Rick Snyder at the start of the Republican Party's rally Monday night on Washtenaw Avenue. "This is clearly the most important election of our lifetime," Ouimet said. "Every four years people say that, but this critically is the turning point for our country. This is now the time that all of us have to put 110 percent in because we can win this election." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_004_fullsize.jpg
Rob Steele, a Republican candidate for the U-M Board of Regents, used his time at the mic Monday night to talk about why Dingell, Stabenow and Obama need to go. "How many people think we need to get rid of Obamacare?" he said, drawing a round of applause and cheers. "To get rid of Obamacare you need to have President Mitt Romney and Senator Pete Hoekstra, so get out there and work these last couple days and push it over the finish line." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_005_fullsize.jpg
Ouimet's take on the GOP's chances of having a good showing in Michigan on Tuesday: "About three weeks ago the Democrats said, 'Well, we're going to have to put about $10,000 into Michigan to win it.' Guess what? They're gonna put millions of dollars in here and they're still gonna lose. This is our time and this is our place." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_006_fullsize.jpg
"Just so you know, our campaign has touched more than 150,000 doors in less than two years and so people are ready for a change in leadership in Washington," Ouimet said. "We've heard it all." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_007_fullsize.jpg
A Romney supporter attempts to get a shot during Monday's rally at the Romney campaign's Ann Arbor office. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_008_fullsize.jpg
Snyder greets members of the crowd at the GOP rally, one of several stops he and other top Republican officials made to campaign for Romney and other members of their party on Monday. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_009_fullsize.jpg
Michigan GOP Chairman Bobby Schostak said the Republicans have had a strong presence in Michigan this year. "A million doors have been knocked on in Michigan," he said. "In 2008, we knocked on 40,000 and this year it's a million." He told the crowd: "It's because of your hard work." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_010_fullsize.jpg
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said while Democrats have been talking about their ground game, the Republicans are out gaining ground. "You've made millions of more phone calls, and that is why today Michigan is poised to put Mitt Romney over the top to be the next president of the United States," he told the crowd. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_011_fullsize.jpg
Melanie Foster is a Republican who is looking to keep her seat on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_012_fullsize.jpg
Calley and Snyder stand side by side at Monday's rally. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_013_fullsize.jpg
Schostak and Michigan GOP co-chair Sharon Wise at Monday's rally. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_014_fullsize.jpg
Republican Brian Zahra is looking to keep his seat on the Michigan Supreme Court after being appointed to the position by Snyder last year. "The only way you get equal justice under law is when every litigant's case rises or falls exclusively on the legal merits of their claim," he said, "and not on how the judge feels about the policy or the policy issue underlying the case." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_016_fullsize.jpg
Northville resident George Romney, grandson of former Gov. George Romney and nephew of Mitt Romney, said if Romney wins Michigan, he'll win the White House. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_017_fullsize.jpg
Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said he's proud that Republicans hold a 26-12 majority in the Legislature's upper chamber. "I told the Democrat leader — some Whitmer lady — that she could have their caucus meetings in the elevator at the Capitol because the capacity is 12 people," he said. "She didn't really appreciate that." Richardville also commented on Ouimet: "He is probably the most competent representative you have ever sent up to Lansing and that's why he's got a huge target on his back, because they would like a trophy. They'd like to stick it up on their wall." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_018_fullsize.jpg
U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, said he can imagine what it's like being a Republican in the Ann Arbor area. "When you meet Washtenaw County Republicans, you meet the hardcore," he said. "If you can be a Republican and thrive in Washtenaw County, you know how to thrive." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_019_fullsize.jpg
Hoekstra was particularly complimentary of Snyder and Michigan's GOP leadership. "We got a great team of folks here from the state," he said. "All we need to do is implement what they're doing here in the state and we will be fine in Washington." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_020_fullsize.jpg
Attorney General Bill Schuette also brought up Ouimet's race. "We need him," he said. "He's part of the team that cuts taxes, balances the budget." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_021_fullsize.jpg
"We have a broken government in Washington. We need to find an answer," Snyder said. "What are the main things they need to do? They need to balance the budget. They need to take care of our national debt. They need to do tax reform. One of the exciting things is … what's a great role model to do those things? Where would you look? Michigan." by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_023_fullsize.jpg
Supporters of Romney make phone calls Monday night at the Ann Arbor Victory Center on Washtenaw Avenue. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_024_fullsize.jpg
Another Romney supporter makes a call Monday night. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_025_fullsize.jpg
An overview shot of Romney's Ann Arbor Victory Office. by Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_026_fullsize.jpg
Signs for Pete Hoekstra are heavily critical of his opponent. by ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com /calendar/photologue/photos/Republicans Election Eve Rally/cache/GOP_election_eve_110512_RJS_027_fullsize.jpg

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Both the Republicans and Democrats brought in the biggest guns they could find Monday night as they campaigned one last time in Ann Arbor before Tuesday's election.

AnnArbor.com's Ryan Stanton captured these images of the night's events.

Comments

Doug

Tue, Nov 6, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.

Good job AnnArbor.com. Always fair and balanced reporting. Must not be any Republicans running for anything in Ann Arbor.

Doug

Wed, Nov 7, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.

Ryan, My apologies! I was upset when I saw the first few and I didn't finish the set!

Ryan J. Stanton

Tue, Nov 6, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.

I think we did a good job of giving equal coverage to both rallies. In fact, I think there are 20 photos from the Dems rally and 25 photos from the Republican rally here.

Alan Goldsmith

Tue, Nov 6, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.

"Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said he's proud that Republicans hold a 26-12 majority in the Legislature's upper chamber. "I told the Democrat leader — some Whitmer lady — that she could have their caucus meetings in the elevator at the Capitol because the capacity is 12 people," he said. "She didn't really appreciate that."" What a classy guy.

arch

Tue, Nov 6, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.

The Republican comment about "some Whitmer lady" underscores their lack of respect for women.

julieswhimsies

Tue, Nov 6, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.

Vote. No excuses. Just vote.

xmo

Tue, Nov 6, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.

Is this a big Rally for the Democrats? 30 people? I see more people in the Romney office working!

Westfringe

Tue, Nov 6, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.

You won't see anyone working for Romney after tonight except his corporate slaves.