SD27 Incumbent John Gleason (D-Flushing)

by: matt

Wed May 24, 2006 at 21:37:41 PM EDT

Biography: Former HD048 Representative.

SD27 District Profile

by: matt

Sat Aug 27, 2005 at 01:00:00 AM EDT

SD27 Former Candidate Bob Longlois (R-Linden)

by: matt

Wed May 24, 2006 at 21:34:42 PM EDT

Some legislative campaign tidbits...

by: matt

Sat Apr 15, 2006 at 10:17:21 AM EDT

SD27 Former Senator Bob Emerson (D-Flint)

by: matt

Thu Sep 29, 2005 at 01:00:00 AM EDT

Biography:

Senator Bob Emerson first joined the Legislature in a 1980 special election for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives. He was subsequently re-elected to the House six times. He is serving his second term as Senator, representing Genesee County’s 27th Senate District. The district includes the cities of Fenton, Flint, Flushing, Montrose and Swartz Creek as well as Argentine, Clayton, Flint, Fenton, Flushing, Gaines, Genesee, Montrose and Mundy townships. Prior to being elected to the Legislature, Senator Emerson worked as a field representative and political coordinator for the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. He also worked as a Legislative Assistant to his predecessor.

Senator Emerson was born and raised in Alpena, Michigan. He graduated from the St. Paul Catholic Seminary in Saginaw, and attended Wayne State University and the University of Michigan - Flint.

He moved to Flint in 1969 and was employed by General Motors at the Chevrolet Engine Plant. He later worked at St. Joseph Hospital where he organized a union and served as its first president. His involvement led to a full time position with the International Union.

He has been active in his community and has served as a member of several community agencies and commissions. He was a founder of the Crim Road Race Inc., a non-profit corporation which sponsors one of the country's finest road races. This corporation has raised over one million dollars for the Michigan Special Olympics. He also founded and served as chairman of the Greater Flint Health Coalition.

Senator Emerson has been actively involved in education, health, & labor legislation over the course of his career. He worked on reforming the workers compensation and unemployment insurance laws and was instrumental in preserving MIOSHA in 1991.

In 1993, then-Representative Emerson served as a member of the special committee of 14 bipartisan Legislators chosen to suggest improvements to Michigan's school financing plan. As a co-chair of the School Aid Appropriations Subcommittee, he oversaw a complete restructuring of the school financing system.

As past chairperson of the House Public Health Subcommittee, he was involved with maternal and child health issues, including the designation of prenatal care as a basic health care service. He also made the funding of essential local health services a priority.

Senator Emerson currently serves as the Democratic Caucus Leader in the Senate, having served as Floor Leader during his previous term. He is responsible for coordinating and communicating Caucus positions on legislation and overseeing a staff of 50 that assists Caucus members in researching legislation and constituent communication. He continues with legislative responsibilities, serving on the Government Operations committee that reviews all appointments by the Governor. He is also a member of the Legislative Retirement Board of Directors.

Senator Emerson is married to Judy Samelson and is the proud father of four children.(Democratic Caucus)