Name: Jennifer Granholm (D)
Age: 43
Hometown: Northville
Occupation: Michigan attorney general
Family: Married to Dan Mulhern; three children
Political background: Michigan attorney general, 1999-present
Web site: www.granholmforgov.com
Stance on the issues:
Overcoming the state‘s budget difficulties: Audit state‘s finances to avoid tax increases and look to trim budget; expand state‘s economy by attracting businesses through new Technology Tri-Corridor, building on the Life Sciences Corridor, automotive manufacturing and potential homeland security technologies.
Higher education affordability: Create Great Lakes Scholars program funded by private donors for at-risk students who might not otherwise be able to attend college; add needs-based component to Merit Scholarship Award program; expand tuition savings plans, such as the Michigan Education Trust, to ensure families can take advantage of them; exercise executive leadership with universities to keep tuition affordable.
Environment: Implement “Clean Water Forever“ initiative to provide comprehensive water protection; phase out worst toxic pollutants, including mercury; add water, noncarbonated drink containers to bottle bill; require out-of-state trash comply with recycling, composting laws; recombine departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources; help local governments protect, manage land; create state land-use commission.
Transportation: Create five-year statewide road and bridge program based on need; ensure road work done right first time; increase diesel tax, maintain gas tax level; require road work warranties; pursue additional federal transportation dollars.
Abortion rights: Pro-choice; supports reversal of Engler administration policies, including law threatening funding for Planned Parenthood; opposes mandatory waiting period; supports Medicaid-funded abortions.
Affirmative action: Supports affirmative action; believes government has no authority to challenge such policies at constitutionally-independent universities; pledges to hire a diverse cabinet.
Gay rights: Expand state civil rights act to include sexual orientation and gender identity; pass hate crimes laws to protect all citizens; supports domestic-partner benefits.
