MichiganRadio

GOP Hopefuls Criticize Democrats At Debate MACKINAC ISLAND, MI (Associated Press) - Five Republicans running to become Michigan's next governor criticized federal spending, Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm and public employee perks during a 90-minute debate at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference.

The Saturday morning debate was hosted by the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance. It was broadcast live by radio stations WJR, WJRW and the Michigan Talk Radio Network.

The event brought together Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, venture capitalist Rick Snyder and state Sen. Tom George. Emergency medical technician Tim Rujan was not invited.

The audience cheered as the candidates spoke about cutting the state's business tax and reducing public employee benefits to be more in line with the private sector.
© Copyright 2012, Associated Press