Former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard is backing Democrat Gretchen Whitmer for governor.
He endorsed her in a letter to thousands of activists Wednesday, saying she would get results while bringing "new energy and new spirit" to the job. He credited her for helping expand Medicaid coverage to 640,000 residents.
Blanchard — a Democrat who served from 1983-1991— said in an interview that Michigan needs "experience" after electing Republican businessmen Rick Snyder and Donald Trump. Whitmer was a state lawmaker for 14 years.
Other Democratic candidates are political newcomers: ex-Detroit health director Abdul El-Sayed, entrepreneur Shri Thanedar and former business executive Bill Cobbs.
Blanchard says Democrats can't "take a flyer" on another candidate solely for giving "nice speeches."
The announcement came a day after Republican Attorney General joined the governor's race.
