Southfield - It didn’t take a crystal ball to predict what the final results of the Michigan Republican primary for governor would be. But people were ready to celebrate anyway.
Cheers erupted as Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus burst into the large room at the Westin Hotel in Detroit shortly after 9 p.m. to declare victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary against state Sen. John “Joe” Schwarz.
Confident and happy, Posthumus was vigorously shaking hands and giving thanks as supporters lined up on both sides to congratulate him on his way to podium. With 86 percent of precincts reporting by 3:45 a.m., Posthumus had 82 percent of the vote.
“You have chosen the candidate to represent Michigan values,” Posthumus said.
Red, white and blue decorations covered the room and set the stage as Posthumus introduced his family, thanked his supporters, and made promises of a strong fight for the governorship.
“Over the next 13 weeks, Jennifer Granholm and I will both debate the issues and campaign hard,” Posthumus said. “I’m ready for the challenge and I welcome her to the race.”
The announcement of Posthumus’ nomination was hardly a surprise. Earlier polls had placed him ahead of his opponent.
“The only thing that surprises me so far is the large margin that Posthumus has won by,” said MSU distinguished political science Professor David Rohde at about 10:25 p.m.. “I thought that Schwarz would break 20 percent. I suspect the results were a combination of party support and a low number of voters.”
Even in defeat, Schwarz, a Battle Creek Republican, remained in the dignified tone that both candidates had maintained throughout the campaign. Watching the results come in at Tripper’s Sports Bar, 345 Frandor, Schwarz conceded, then called Posthumus to congratulate him on the GOP bid shortly after 9 p.m.
“I have a motto that I have always lived by,” Schwarz said. “Tomorrow morning when you get up, hit the ground running and never look back.”
Schwarz was ready to discuss the tough nature of the final push for governor, believing that Posthumus has an uphill battle ahead of him.
“The Republican Party has to have an epiphany if they are going to win in November,” Schwarz said. “The Republicans cannot win if they don’t include pro-choice women. They cannot win the statewide vote if they do everything the NRA wants.”
In his acceptance speech, Posthumus promised to improve public schools, reduce crime, protect natural resources and outdoor heritage, stop violence against women and cut taxes.
“I like his values,” said Ryan Kuczek, a social relations junior in attendance at the hotel. “He’s good for the economy of Detroit.”
Posthumus’s plan to increase literacy among elementary students also was a big hit with supporters.
“He’s good with education by promising to get all students to read by the age of 3,” Kuczek said.
The promise of high standards and values are what put him in the Republican seat, according to Posthumus campaign manager Katie Packer.
“We’re thrilled,” Packer said. “This shows who to vote for when dealing with the real issues. This is our guy.”
But even with the thrill of victory sweeping over supporters, the looming campaign and next tense election night in November weighed heavily.
“It’s going to be a tight race, but races like this are always tight,” Packer said. “But at the end of the day Posthumus is what Michigan is all about. Not an actress like Granholm - people are looking for more real issues.”
Posthumus said that he attracts voters because of an honest, straight-forward nature.
“Where I come from, you ask a question and you get a straight answer. What you see is what you get.”
Posthumus added that when it comes down to it, Michigan needs a Republican leader.
“It’s about two things: It’s about who can best represent the Michigan values of the working men and women of this state and it’s about who’s ready to lead Michigan in the decade ahead,” he said. “My values are Michigan values and I am ready to lead.”
As for Schwarz, who has reached his limit on terms as a state Senator after 12 years in office, he said he is not worried about his future and doesn’t rule out politics.
“I’m a surgeon, I have a very good day job, I’m not worried,” Schwarz said. “Politics aren’t completely out for me.
“I’m sure I’ll be out there as a public figure.”
