Sparty had a visitor from the capital Tuesday.

Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus kicked off his gubernatorial campaign in front of the statue on MSU’s campus as part of a four day, 15 city tour.

“I went to college here at Michigan State, and two of my kids went to here as well,” Posthumus said. “Every student in Michigan deserves the best teachers, the best principal and a safe quality learning environment.”

Posthumus will face Battle Creek state Sen. John Schwarz and businessman Jim Moody in the Republican primary on Aug. 6. Former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard, U.S. Rep. David Bonior and Attorney General Jennifer Granholm are competing for the Democratic spot on the ballot.

Candidates had to file by May 14 to run in the primary.

Schwarz said he is good friends with Posthumus, but they have different approaches to many issues, including higher education.

“I hope to air out those issues during the campaign,” Schwarz said.

Schwarz has criticized his party for backing Posthumus in the past.

Posthumus said his campaign is about two things - who is most ready to lead Michigan in the next decade, and who can best represent Michigan residents’ values.

“This campaign is not about grandstanding,” he said. “It’s not about personal ambition.”

Lisa Posthumus introduced her father to the more than 50 people at the event. She graduated from MSU in 2001 with a degree in agricultural and natural resources communications. Krista Posthumus, his oldest daughter, also graduated from MSU.

“It’s so exciting,” Lisa said. “He’s going to do it, he’ll be the next governor.”

Nate Engle, president of the MSU Democrats, isn’t so sure a Republican will be taking the office.

“We’re looking forward to the changes that will come with having a Democrat in the office,” the urban and regional planning junior said.

Democrats put higher education at the top of their list and Republicans haven’t done that in the past, Engle said.

Posthumus’ candidacy focuses on four specific issues - the environment, education, crime and employment. He is running under the slogan “Michigan Values, Ready to Lead.”

Political science sophomore Craig Burgers said he was there supporting Posthumus’ conservative voice. Burgers is a member of the Young Republicans as well as chairman of MSU’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom.

“Posthumus is the candidate that most closely holds my views,” Burgers said. “Since he’s MSU alumni, this is our way of giving him support.”