Lt. Gov. Cherry Reads the Tea Leaves

When former Michigan Governor John Engler left office, he left a state that was looking good in most categories. This is not to say that he was a tremendous success. Personally, I believe he joined neighboring Republican Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin in foolishly growing the size and scope of government to a point that forced any successor to tighten the reigns. His Lieutenant Governor, Dick Posthumus had to run shouldering the enormous weight of resentment that Engler had created.
His eventual successor was a tax and spend liberal with great political savvy. Still, after eight years of watching Michigan emulate the Detroit Lions as fighting for worst position amongst its rivals, Governor Jennifer Gandholm leaves a legacy of abject failure. Her re-election campaign in 2006 managed to convince voters that she had no responsibility for the decline in all aspects of measured success. She managed to run on the message… “It’s Bush’s fault”.
There comes a point that a politician needs to own up to their failures and successes. There are many of the former and few of the later. John Cherry, Governor Grandholm’s Lieutenant Governor has wisely seen the writing on the wall. No one like to end on a sour note. The mood of the electorate seems to promise harsh treatment to Democratic candidates in the 2010 elections. As a seasoned politician, Cherry realizes that sometimes the best way to win is to not run.
What is amazing is the number of also-rans that seems to want to join the fray on the Democratic ticket. House Speaker Andy Dillon seems like the most likely leader in the Primary race. Still, no matter who wins, they will have to answer one question: “How do you measure the results of the Grandholm administration after eight years?” Like the Detroit Lions of the NFL, repeated years of finishing last make promises of success seem hollow. Like Lion’s fans on Sunday afternoon, Democratic party voters may refuse to show up to vote on election day.