Cox
LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) - The Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced on Wednesday that it is endorsing state Attorney General Mike Cox in the Republican primary for governor.
"Michigan's next governor must be bold, decisive, knowledgeable about state government, and have the ability to hit the ground running from day one; Mike Cox is the candidate who best meets these four criteria," said Rich Studley, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.
Polls have shown that Cox and businessman Rick Snyder have both trailed behind U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra in the race, which will be voted on in August.
Current Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, has reached her term limit and can not run.
"The mission of the Michigan Chamber is to promote conditions favorable to job creation and business growth in Michigan," said Doug Bouma, chair of the Michigan Chamber PAC Board of Directors.
"After careful consideration of each candidate's background and experience, position on key economic issues, vision for our state's future and their leadership skills, we have concluded that Mike Cox is the candidate most qualified to lead state government and put Michigan back to work."
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce, so their opinion obviously carries some weight.
The Chamber's endorsement process included a questionnaire with each candidate, a meet-the-candidate forum and personal interviews with the Chamber's PAC Board of Directors.