Lennox runs for vacated state post
Dennis Lennox II is campaigning for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives.
The Topinabee junior announced Tuesday he is running for the seat vacated by Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Bellaire, who is retiring in favor of running for the 4th District Court of Appeals. Elsenhiemer currently is Assistant House minority leader.
House District 105 is composed of Antrim, Charlevoix and Otsego counties, as well as part of Cheboygan County.
Elsenhiemer said anyone has a shot at winning in politics.
"I can't imagine anyone counting Dennis out," Elsenhiemer said. "There are several young people I serve with in the Michigan legislature."
Lennox, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's Web site, has not yet filed the papers necessary to run. He is planning on making an official announcement early next week.
The only candidate who has filed in House District 105 is Charlevoix resident and former Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall.
Lennox decided to run after hearing Elsenhiemer is retiring.
"(I decided) that's an opportunity I've got to consider," Lennox said. "I believe in northern Michigan and it's important to have a conservative voice in Michigan."
Lennox said he was encouraged by friends, colleagues and other political supporters to run.
Lennox previously has campaigned for county commissioner. He is an alternate delegate to the Republican Convention.
"I'm not your average college student," Lennox said. "Frankly, I have a lot of accomplishments."
Lennox said he formerly worked for President George W. Bush and U.S. Rep. Dave Camp.
Lennox is not the first CMU student to run for State Representative. Mount Pleasant graduate student Eric Welsby ran for the seat currently occupied by Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant, as a Democrat.
"What I found is there are a lot of people who were at first, 'Does a young person really know what's going on?'," Welsby said. "People who were skeptical at first came around. You've got to get out there and talk and make sure you're not just some ... 'punk kid.' That earns you a lot of respect when you go out and articulate your issues."
Lennox has started a Web site to help his campaign, dennisfornorthernmichigan.com. He said he has a strong candidacy and will release a list of endorsements next week.
"I've received a tremendous amount of support," he said.
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