Michigan News
(2010-01-29)
A handful of gubernatorial candidates met in Grand Rapids today for their first debate in 2010.
The candidates discussed what they would do on their first days in office, what 'political capital' means in Lansing, and how they would address tax reform. But perhaps the most interesting answers came during a lightning round, when they were asked whether whether Michigan should have a Constitutional Convention to rewrite the state's constitution.
Republican Congressman Pete Hoekstra joined most of the candidates in saying 'no.'
"The only thing all of the candidates all agreed on was that Michigan should not increase the gas tax to pay for Michigan's roads and bridges. But they did agree that the state's infrastructure is suffering," says Hoekstra.
They also discussed whether the Michigan Promise Scholarship should be reinstated.
Oakland County Sherriff Mike Bouchard was the only Republican candidate who said he would find the money in the budget to fund the college scholarship.
"Philosophically, as I've mentioned, my priorities are public safety and education. Secondly, when you give your word, regardless changing moments in time - you're word's your word. And the way you do it is by prioritization," says Bouchard.
Bouchard and Hoekstra were joined by fellow GOP candidates state Senator Tom George and businessman Rick Snyder, as well as Democratic state Representative Alma Wheeler Smith.
Smith said she would generate revenue for the Promise scholarship through new revenue from an income tax hike and by expanding the sales tax to services. The other candidates said they would have never made a promise the state could not keep. © Copyright 2012, MPRN
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