MI-Gov: Cherry Drops Out

[ccharles000]

Big news:

Lt. Gov. John Cherry ended his sputtering Democratic campaign for governor, saying he was unable to raise the money he needed.

"I was not successful in that endeavor to the degree that was needed. With that in mind, I have come to the conclusion that to wage a successful campaign will be difficult at best," Cherry said in a prepared statement.

Cherry, who had not formally announced his candidacy, expressed disappointment for those who had worked on his campaign and contributed money.

Given that Cherry had some significant troubles in the polls, this move is probably a good thing for Democrats. Perhaps someone with fewer connections to the Granholm administration like Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero will seize upon this opportunity.

http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/6129/migov-cherry-drops-out

[bluestateguy]

1. Good

He's about as exciting as a bucket of lukewarm water.

[MichiganVote]

2. Yup. Nothing to write home about.

[blue_onyx]

3. I thought Cherry was the best option

I'm definitely more worried about the Dems winning now. I hope a strong nominee emerges from the primaries.

BTW, here's another thread about this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7397640

[SpartanDem]

4. Really I thought he was the worst

why would you want someone so tied to Granholm.?

[blue_onyx]

6. Because I like Granholm

She has done a very good job with a horrible situation. The GOP will connect any Democrat to Granholm.

I think Cherry comes off as an everyday person who will do what's best for the state. MI residents want people to stop with the political games, particularly after the budget problems. The GOP candidates seem like the typical politicians (ex: Hoekstra using the attempted terrorist attack to raise money) and Cherry would have been a good contrast to them.

Dillon would be the worst. I won't vote for him, even if he were the Democratic nominee,

[SpartanDem]

8. But most of the state doesn't

yeah she was given a tough lot and did pretty good given the situation, but that doesn't change the fact that she's unpopular. Why make it so easy for the GOP to tie a candidate to her?

[blue_onyx]

9. Like I said...

the Republicans will tie who ever the nominee is to Granholm.

You also assume she'll be as unpopular in 6-9 months time. Let's say our unemployment dropped to 10% (I don't think it will but hypothetically), that the green energy and film investments she brought here start to open up, and the auto companies have stronger sales. This could improve her approval ratings significantly.

The Dems need to be careful about distancing themselves from Granholm because: 1. It may piss people like me off, and 2. It will require them to distance themselves from the good things too (green energy and film incentives).

Do you know of any better options? Dillion is a DINO and the base won't vote for him (me included). Virg Bernero, Hansen Clarke, and Alma Wheeler Smith are almost completely unknown. Considering the other options, I thought Cherry would have been the best choice.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

5. can you tell me why Granholm is so toxic?

I know Michigan is in a really bad place right now, but short of Jesus Christ himself turning water into wine, I'm not sure anyone could have prevented that. Is that all there is to it or did she really screw something else up?

[blue_onyx]

7. I'm not so sure she is

Her approval ratings are low but her favorability ratings are typically at least 10% higher. So I don't think she's hated in the same way Bush was.

Our economy has been poor so long (even before she came into office in 2003) that people need to blame somebody. I believe most people know our job losses had nothing to do with her job performance. Obviously she had no control over what happened to the auto industry. People are just looking to direct their frustration somewhere and she the easiest target. It's disappointing because I think things could be much worse had she not been our governor during these times.