6:35 p.m.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has launched his gubernatorial campaign, entering as the Republican front-runner by promising to be a "jobs governor" who will cut income taxes and high auto premiums and not accept that Michigan's best economic days are in the past.
Schuette made the announcement Tuesday night at his annual barbeque in Midland. He is calling for lowering the state income tax and high auto insurance rates, and says Michigan cannot afford to return to Democratic leadership.
Schuette will be considered the front-runner in the Republican primary. Dr. Jim Hines and state Sen. Patrick Colbeck are the main Republicans running so far, though Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is weighing a bid.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder can't run again under term limits.
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4:05 p.m.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is making official what has long seemed inevitable — he's running for governor.
The Republican is hosting his annual barbeque for supporters in his hometown of Midland on Tuesday, and there are "Schuette for Governor" signs onsite. The early-evening announcement comes before next week's Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference — when donors, activists and others gather every two years.
Schuette plans to focus on Michigan's economy in his opening speech.
Schuette will be considered the front-runner in the Republican primary. Dr. Jim Hines and state Sen. Patrick Colbeck are the main Republicans running so far, though Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is weighing a bid.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder can't run again under term limits.
The 63-year-old Schuette has been a congressman, state senator and appellate judge.