Island Update

For those unable to attend the Michigan Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island, the weather has cooperated and we are all enjoying sunshine and a cool breeze off the lake. This is great news for all the new brides scattered throughout the island. Unlike previous years, there seems to be a lower level of friction between the campaigns and their candidates. This harmony should be welcomed as voters have grown tired of bitter political fighting not only between parties but within parties as well.
The political debate between gubernatorial candidates showed no fireworks or clear frontrunner. It did demonstrate a slate of viable candidates. In an election season that bodes poorly for incumbent politicians of both parties, it should be interesting to see which candidate can capture the “outsider” label. Most have long track records in politics and will need to answer for their contribution to the mess in Lansing.
The economy and taxes seems to dominate all other discussion. This in a state that has little positive to show the rest of the country. Whoever follows Jennifer Grandholm as the Democratic Party nominee will carry a heavy burden to convince Michigan voters that they need four more years. Will voters reward Republicans statewide as a result? That may have as much to do with the national mood of voters more than that of the longsuffering residents of Michigan.