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Rick Snyder won’t win GOP nomination

By Aaron McMann on July 14, 2010 4:30 am in Columns / 8 comments

 

He sprang onto the political scene with ads during the Super Bowl touting himself “a nerd.”

In some of his more recent ads, he’s called for an end to the partisan bickering and lends a promise ‘to get the job done’ if elected Michigan governor.

Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder has made it his goal to differentiate himself from other top Republican names in this year’s gubernatorial race. And I’d say he’s done a pretty good job of it so far.

But given his attempt to distance himself from Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, the two other major players for the GOP, he’s come off as more of an independent than a Republican.

Some have even called him a moderate—the deathblow in any primary election in which only the most politically active and knowledgeable participate. Republicans want conservatives and Democrats want liberals. Snyder fits neither category.

He is, however, the most business-savvy candidate among both parties, an attribute Michigan needs in its current economic climate. That alone, though, isn’t going to get him the nomination.

As much as people like to complain about politics, Snyder needs to get down and dirty and begin to take on his GOP opponents—something he won’t do. Cox and Hoekstra have gone back and forth in print and on TV, while Snyder stands idly by.

He decided not to take part in any of the GOP debates, citing his unwillingness to participate in the GOP bickering. Bad move. While he comes off as trying to appeal to those willing to listen and put politics aside, he forgets one thing—he’s running for political office.

Some have compared him to 2006 GOP gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos. Snyder is running a similar formula, but this time it has already been tried. His campaign is being managed as if he’s all ready locked up the nomination.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Rick Snyder. He seems to really want to help the state’s economy rebound—I just don’t see his plan translating with voters come August 3.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @AaronMcMann.

 

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  • steve

    He has my vote. I'm very tired of the BS spread by conventional candidates!

  • Alice

    If he can't have a debate with members of his own party, how is he going to be able to debate/negotiate with the Dems when it comes to passing legislation? You have to take on all challenges and, clearly, Snyder is not prepared to do that. It looks like Cox or George are the only one who have the ability to do that.

  • Repetejack

    I think that that people are tired of the bickering, I think that he can take on a debate, but will not because it is OLD and has NOT worked in the past. I am a conservative, but I think that Rick is also one, but he knows how to work with the libs also. You have to when you run a business and Michigan needs to be run like a business now NOT A COURT ROOM. He has my vote and all my family's vote

  • http://www.cruzweb.net Conveniently Misplaced

    Anybody but Rick Snyder! http://www.rickfreemichigan.com

  • 54shirley

    I believe that the people of this State really want change! “As in cleaning house..” This is the guy who won't follow “OLD SCHOOL.” He Dances to his own tune. So to say.
    We need someone who can get some kind of job done in this state. I mean we can't get much lower then we are!
    So if we take a chance with the NERD, and it works, at least it's something.What did you get with our Governor now? Do you still even own your house, or have a job?
    I say go for it! It's time for a change in this State, and if were different… Then good for us. If we
    make a difference in this Country,, at least were trying.
    Vote Dem. or Rep., I'm sure nothing will change, hope it doesn't get worst.
    I'm not into politics, but I do want to see this state get better. So I'm interested in him, hope you are too. Good Luck in this State, Remember,,, it's are turn to vote now!!!

  • Shirley

    I think the people in this state are tired of all the bull oni. We need to clean house.. Out with the old ways, and in with a complete Over Haul. We need new blood in this state, and the senate too. Remember it's our turn to vote now. If you lost your job ,or house like I did, then take it to the election, and do your job. I believe he is going to win. I no I am pulling for him.
    It's time to put in a different person with business beliefs. This can't hurt, I mean we can't get any lower then we are in this Depression. So think about that..

  • 54shirley

    I guess your judgement was wrong ! ! !
    The people in this state want a change, and he can make that happen.
    Starting with jobs, and cutting Taxes.
    What do you really think the other people have to offer?
    It just makes seance to have a business man in, instead of a lying, cheating Politician “with his hands in someones pockets” voted in.
    The People of this Great State have Spoken…

  • Smbakk

    you were saying???
    I think many people tend to lean more toward the middle, both democrats and republicans, but the big mouths from the far ends of each party usually determine who will run for office because they have the power to influence so many through TV and/or radio.
    I'm so glad Rick Snyder won this primary and hope he will go on to win the election in November. It will send a clear message to everyone that there are more moderates than extremists and people want to come together in the middle rather than stand on either side shouting at each other.