This Week
Cover Story
WH O WILL L EAD
Candidates for governor tackle Jewish
as well as secular issues on the campaign trail.
Stories by StaffWriter HARRY KIRS BAUM
he Michigan primary election nears on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and five candi-
dates for governor vie for two spots on the Nov. 5 election ballot.
Offering a wide range of public service and life experiences, all five may
not actively seek Jewish votes, but the Jewish community will be heavily
influencing the outcome of the election nonetheless.
Although he doesn't have hard numbers, Allan Gale, assistant director of
the Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan Detroit, said the absentee ballots typical-
ly requested are a sign of the heavy Jewish involvement in primary elections.
"In my years of following politics here, that's something that comes up often," Gale said.
"People are focused on getting their ballot. Even though the first week in August may be
inconvenient because they are on vacation, there's that interest — that dedication to voting
in the primary."
On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus is challenged by State Sen. Joe Schwarz,
R-Batde Creek, also a practicing physician. No recent polls are available on the race. Posthumus
is not conceding the Jewish vote to the Democrats by any means. In fact, he named Franklin
philanthropist Max Fisher as honorary chairman of his campaign.
On the Democratic side, the race is close and two of the three can-
didates are actively seeking Jewish support. According to a Detroit Free
The last day to register to
vote in the Aug. 6 primary
Press poll of potential voters in early May, Michigan Attorney General
election is July 8. Eligible
Jennifer Granholm and former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard are tied
citizens may register at any
Michigan Secretary of State
at 36 percent each; U.S. Rep. David Bonior has 10 percent.
Office or in the offices of the
The Jewish News sat down separately with the Democratic candi-
city or township in which
they live. Absentee ballots
dates and with Posthumus for informal discussions about the issues,
will be mailed to eligible vot-
ers upon request.
both Jewish and general. We spoke to Dr. Schwarz by phone. This is
what they had to say.
6/21
2002
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