Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop announced today the formation of an exploratory committee to look at running for Michigan Attorney General in 2010. As a result of term limits, the current attorney general cannot seek re-election.

     "I'm taking this first step because of my deep respect for the law and my love for Michigan," Bishop said.  "I will spend the next couple of months talking with leaders around the state and gauging their support of my candidacy."

     In both his professional and legislative careers, Bishop has established himself as an aggressive advocate for the people he represents.  Among many legislative accomplishments, Bishop authored the Michigan Child Protection Registry (CPR) which is designed to protect children from unsolicited and inappropriate e-mail. The CPR was a first of its kind in the United States and continues to serve as a model for other state legislatures.

     Bishop also led the charge on behalf of Michigan consumers to create the Identity Theft Protection Act, which established identity theft as a felony in Michigan and sets forth specific remedies for citizens who have innocently fallen prey to opportunistic criminals.

     "When I wrote the Identity Theft Prevention Act and the Child Protection Registry, it was the recognition of my belief that our laws and legal system must protect our citizens, especially our most vulnerable.  I was approached by people with deeply personal stories that inspired me to act," Bishop said.  "It has been a priority of mine to protect people and to ensure justice for all citizens.  It's only natural for me to want to take that responsibility to the next level."

     As a life-long advocate for smaller government, Bishop introduced Senate Joint Resolution A in January to establish a part-time Legislature in Michigan.

     Bishop is an attorney and former local prosecutor who has served in the Michigan Legislature since 1998; first serving in the state House for four years and then the state Senate.  He was elected as Senate Majority Leader after the 2006 elections.  He lives in Rochester with his wife Cristina and their three children.

Paid for by the Mike Bishop for Attorney General Exploratory Committee 702 N. Hayford, Lansing, MI  48912