First up is Rick Snyder, running a campaign designed to attract moderates and independents, one that is promising to move beyond partisanship and include everyone in the discussion about the future of Michigan.
Snyder said he will work to unite Republicans and Democrats, a goal that has led some to question whether Snyder isn't more of an independent.
"It's not about partisanship," he said. "Why in the world would I go out of my way to make negative statements about anyone in the Democratic party when I want to work with them? That's just dumb. That just shows how messed up our system is."
And here, representing that "system", is Ron Weiser, stating that the Republicans intend on having it all.
Michigan Republican Party chairman Ron Weiser said Republicans need to seize the whole ticket if they're to have the power they need to turn the state around.
"They are looking not only for a Republican governor but a Republican Legislature to pass a transformational agenda," he said.
My guess is that if that happens, the concept of "bipartisanship" goes right out the window as the GOP runs the table on passing all the extremist legislation they have ever wanted. Snyder may preach cooperation, but as we have seen in both Lansing and DC, the Republican Party believes in no such thing.
Voters may think they are electing a moderate - but he's got some very nasty baggage coming along with him. Democrats might be wise to take the focus off the candidate, and put it on Republican policy instead.
Food for thought.
UPDATE: Rick ducks debates!
After earlier reports the two men running for governor agreed on three debates, the Rick Snyder campaign issued a statement saying no deal is done and no more negotiations are scheduled.
Looks like we have an issue with conflict management. Going to just walk away when the legislature pisses you off, Rick?