Grand Rapids Republican Randy Hekman got a boost in his campaign for the U.S. Senate last week when Amway co-founder Richard DeVos and his wife, Helen, endorsed his bid for the nomination.
Hekman, one of just two Republicans to challenge incumbent Debbie Stabenow so far, said he hopes the billionaire’s endorsement will give his candidacy credibility in Republican circles that have been shy about climbing aboard anyone’s bandwagon.
Does this high-profile, big cash endorsement for an unknown mean Republicans are basically throwing in the towel when it comes to the mighty Stabenow? With nearly $5 million in cash on hand, Obama at the top of the ticket, and every big name in Republican circles saying "no" to the contest, DeVos pulling the trigger this early may indicate that the GOP might take a pass on this one and concentrate on House races instead. Hard to tell this early in the game though.
Cranky Jack Lessenberry takes a look at "Stabenow's Winning Ways" in this week's Dome. Give it a read. You wouldn't want to run against her either. She's been a good Senator for this state when you add up her various accomplishments, and she has a pretty broad appeal to that mythical "middle" - and that's a tough combination to beat.
What's Bouchard up to these days?