Pam Byrnes files to run in Michigan's 18th state Senate district
State Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Lyndon Township, filed papers today with the Washtenaw County clerk to officially enter the race to replace Liz Brater in Michigan’s 18th state Senate district.
Byrnes said she looks to continue her efforts to bring jobs to Washtenaw County in the state’s upper chamber. She is term limited from running again for her 52nd District state House seat.
Pam Byrnes files for office today accompanied by her grandson.
Courtesy Photo
“There is much still to do to put our state back on track,” she said in a written statement. “I have been an effective agent for positive results and I look to continue doing just that, working for all our neighbors in the 18th District.”
A recent poll paid for by Byrnes' campaign showed her with a 13 percent lead heading into the Aug. 3 Democratic primary. She is up against state Rep. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, who is vacating her seat to seek a spot in the Senate.
Byrnes said she sees job creation as a top priority for Michigan. She said she has helped secure tens of millions of dollars for Washtenaw County to repair roads and bridges, creating much-needed jobs.
“I’m running for state Senate because our challenges are far from over,” Byrnes said, “Our state needs leaders who will step up and deliver more than a speech. We need leaders who will deliver results.”
Byrnes vows to continue fighting to increase funding for the University Research Corridor between the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University to transform, strengthen and diversify the state's economy. Byrnes, who passed a bill that creates incentives to attract high-tech companies to the state, said she believes Michigan must invest in such industries.
Fixing a "broken Lansing" also is high on Byrnes’ agenda. In this tight economy, she said, the Legislature should tighten its belt. She points out that’s why she voted to cut the perk of free lifetime healthcare for current and future legislators, to dock the pay of legislators who don’t show up for work, and to cut the salary of every legislator by 10 percent.
When Michigan passed new energy legislation, Byrnes said she made sure it protected seniors who may be vulnerable to energy shutoffs. She points out she also stepped in to clear red tape to enable the building of a retirement center in Dexter.
Byrnes also brought together community, state and local government to replace the East Delhi Bridge.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
politica
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 2:59 p.m.
BREAKING: Pam Byrnes plays with puppies! For immediate release: Pam Byrnes took a moment to pet a small cuddly puppy as she walked down the street on Wednesday, according to sources. Additionally, based on a scientific and well-respected polling center, she is 982835 points ahead of her primary opponent. Looking forward to seeing this story in print, annarbor.com!
E
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.
I have to agree with what truthiness says here, and I, too, just created an account to post a comment on this story. Truthiness doesn't stand alone. This pro-Byrnes piece, or what feels like skewed pro-Byrnes (quote unquote) reporting, or, actually, a cut-and-paste from a Byrnes Press Release, is pretty low-budge. The initial story by annarbor.com a few weeks back about Pam Byrnes being ahead of Rebekah Warren in early polls without mention that the poll was (1) paid for by the Byrnes' camp, and (2) that the article was based on a Byrnes' camp press release, struck me as somewhat insincere in its masquerade as journalism. Oh, wait, the fact that the story was from a Byrnes press release WAS amended in the story hours after its initial post. My bad. Yeah. Most people have a hard enough time reading annarbor.com the first time without a raised eyebrow. Keep it up, guys. Let's keep constantly updating our reporting rather than getting it right the first time. What is news, anyway?
truthiness
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.
This article annoyed me so much that I had to create an account to comment. For at least the second time, AnnArbor.com has posted a press release from Pam Byrnes as news. And for at least the second time, you have referenced a poll funded by her campaign. This is not real journalism. This is a perfect example of why most people think this site is a joke.
The Picker
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 5:58 a.m.
The legislature was dysfunctional way before term limits were instituted. Now they realize they will have to go back to the farm, so politics won't be a career. Therefore they won't spend all of their time running for re-election!
Edward R. Murrow's ghost
Tue, May 4, 2010 : 8:40 a.m.
Yeah--term limits have worked so well--they've brought us a completely dysfunctional legislature with no long-term vision because term-limits encourage short-term political gain--the result of which is experienced lobbyists and bureaucrats running the state government rather than our elected officials. How's that workin' out for 'ya? Term limits have been a DISASTER.
Top Cat
Tue, May 4, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.
Pam is definitely part of the problem and needs to be broomed.
The Picker
Tue, May 4, 2010 : 6:36 a.m.
Its time to get some fresh thinking into Michigan politics, and her thoughts are not that fresh. Time for house cleaning in Lansing!
YpsiLivin
Tue, May 4, 2010 : 6:09 a.m.
Yet another politician who doesn't understand what the voters meant by "term limits."
politica
Mon, May 3, 2010 : 8:17 p.m.
You're still pretending that the poll paid for by Byrnes's own campaign was legitimate and accurate?