rittitns and her husband listen intently as Blanchard predicts
his win over Republican opponent Richard Headlee.

Jim Blanchard speaks at a press conference following his address to
Democratic supporters at the Sheraton-Southfield Tuesday night.
ELECTION NIGHT

J AMES BLANCHARD and a host of loyal
Democrats filled the ballroom of the South-
field Sheraton, while a stone's throw away
Richard Headlee and his Republican allies filled
the Michigan Inn with their own party's music.
Though all major television networks predicted
Blanchard an easy winner, Headlee refused to
concede until late Wednesday.
Music, laughter, liquor, and plenty of political
smiles were the order of the evening as suppor-
ters at both hotels crowded at the platforms to
hear their candidates speak. Many others stood
aside, eagerly watching the television for the
latest results.

Optimism lingered long into the night for
both Democrats and Republicans. Blanchard's
supporters spoke of early predictions in favor of
their candidate, while down the street the talk
centered around actual precinct counts, which
until the early morning hours still showed
Headlee in the lead.
On the surface, the two election night parties
looked very similar. Indeed they were. The
biggest difference came in the morning, when
James Blanchard awoke as the governor-elect,
and Richard Headlee as a close second place
finisher. Southfield hosted both major com-
batants, but in the end, the Sheraton sent the vic-
tor to Lansing.George Adams

Photos by Deborah Lewis and Brian Masck

Secretary of State Richard Austin explains to supporters that Jim Blanchard
wishes to hold off his appearance until more of the votes are counted.



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