Volume #48, Report #225, Article #6--Thursday, November 19, 2009
DESHAZOR JUMPS IN 20TH SENATE RACE
An all-star Republican primary is shaping up in the 20th Senate District in 2010 with Rep. Larry DeShazor of Portage announcing Thursday he will run, joining Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton and former Rep. Lorence Wenke of Richland in the field.
Mr. DeShazor said he thinks background in the business world and Portage City Council is the best fit for the district's and state's needs. He will have a distinct geographic advantage, with his entire House district contained in the Senate district while Ms. Schuitmaker and Mr. Wenke have represented far fewer voters in the Senate seat.
"I will give my opponents all the respect that they're due," Mr. DeShazor said. "I appear to be the front-runner now based on many factors. I don't look at that. I concentrate on getting my message affecting positive change out to the people."
It will be a critical primary because Democrats think they have a great chance to claim the seat now held by term limited Sen. Tom George (R-Kalamazoo). Rep. Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) is the expected Democratic nominee.