Making MI-Gov news today: John Freeman, Denise Ilitch

by: Bootsy

Tue Jan 12, 2010 at 13:12:57 PM EST

In an email sent to supporters a little after 12:30, John Freeman made this statement:

Having consulted with my family and given it serious reflection, I've decided to end my campaign for governor of Michigan.

Given our state's economic woes and my obligations to both my family and job, it became clear that the amount of money required to run a viable campaign was out of reach.

For the many Michiganders who welcomed me into their homes and donated their time, energy and resources to this campaign, I will be forever grateful. For the family and friends who offered me their devotion, love, and support, I am fortunate to have people like you in my life. And for all those who dream of a better future for our state, the work continues.

I will work to build a better Michigan by continuing to strive for comprehensive health care reform, so that Michigan's businesses can compete around the world, working families can be freed from skyrocketing costs, and nobody will die or be forced out of their home simply because they can't pay their medical bills.

I will continue fight for progressive ideals, just as I always have, and fully expect to support the Democratic nominee for governor.

On a final note, Supporter, I ask that you continue to strive towards a better future. Robert Kennedy said that often in politics, there's a danger of feeling futile, like there's nothing you can do against the enormity of the problems we face. Yet, Kennedy said, "each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. And crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls..."

Those ripples don't care if you're in elected office or just an everyday citizen; we all have the power to stand up for what we believe, and to create those ripples of hope. And eventually, those ripples will build up.

Together, if we all do our part, we can continue to make a wave.

Thank you.

more...

When Mr. Cherry dropped out, citing fund-raising problems, White House officials began discussions with a potential replacement, Denise Ilitch, whose family owns the Detroit Red Wings hockey team, Detroit Tigers baseball team and Little Caesars Pizza chain.

Ms. Ilitch is an elected member of the state Board of Regents. Strategists believe her personal wealth and image as a businesswoman and political outsider could give Democrats a boost in an economically ailing state where the party's top official, Gov. Jennifer Granholm, is unpopular.