University of Michigan Regent Denise Ilitch met Tuesday with White House officials to explore a possible Democratic bid for Michigan governor.
Ilitch, whose father owns the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers, met with staff there Tuesday, with President Barack Obama "stopping by the meeting," according to a White House official.
My enthusiasm for this race is lower than low at this point, but I must admit, the pedigree has me intrigued. Since it seems that both parties are more focused on the needs of "business" rather than people (it will trickle down, honest!), maybe someone like Denise Ilitch will fit the bill. WWJ's bio says that she is a "tireless advocate for women and children" - that is a good start. Here's a bit more:
A strong supporter of continuing education, Ilitch completed a mediation training course offered by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office through its Resolution Center in 2003. As a mediator, Ilitch works to enhance the traditional justice system by providing and promoting the use of Appropriate Dispute Resolution. She established the Denise Ilitch Scholarship at Walsh College in an effort to help young women earn their advanced degrees.
Ilitch earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her Law Degree from the University Of Detroit School Of Law. In the Fall of 2005, Ilitch joined the University of Detroit Mercy's School of Law as its first Distinguished Visiting Business Executive. She mentors students interested in using legal training to go into business and serves as an advisor for students in the University's joint juris doctor/MBA program. She also gives guest lectures. The University of Detroit Mercy Law School named her 2007 Alumnus of the Year.
Ilitch has served on the Boards of several civic, business, professional, charitable and civil rights organizations. She is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Detroit Branch NAACP. She served as a Detroit Red Wings Alternate Governor for the National Hockey League, and as a Board Member of Major League Baseball. Among her numerous awards and commendations are the B'nai B'rith International Great American Traditions Award and the Clara Barton Award from the American Red Cross.
I'd be all for Alma Wheeler Smith, but quite frankly I don't see her getting her ideas through her own caucus in the House, let alone garnering support of the state party. Last I looked, Dillon is still the Speaker, and if the House Dems are comfortable with a leader who is a corporate "Democrat" that bows to all the wishes of the Republicans, well, it's time to look outside the system and see what else is out there.
Maybe we can find ourselves a corporate Democrat that understands that you have to stand up for the needs of the citizens as well.