Mike Cox

Mike Cox is the candidate I'm the most familiar with since he is really getting his message out. I've heard several interviews with him on the radio (I even happened to catch his announcement on WRIF). Mike consistently sounds like a solid conservative guy. He gave a terrific speech at the lunch function. The speech appeared to be a foundation that can be distilled down to an effective and moving stump speech.

During the debate I felt he played it safe.

I didn't get an opportunity to speak to him, but listening to him talking to others he seems sincere and inspiring.

Mike Bouchard

Of the three candidates, Mike Bouchard is the one I know the least about.

During the debate Mike Bouchard has funny banter going with L. Brooks Patterson and an easy delivery with the answers. Also, he did hit on some of the conservative issues that are important to Michigan conservatives.

While in the press room between events, Mike Bouchard popped in to meet with a print reporter sitting next to me. She needed to grab something in another room and while she was out, Mike and I had a quick chat and he seems approachable. Mike has a good sense of humor and a quick wit.

Pete Hoekstra

Before the conference, I knew a few things about Pete on the national front and seen him interviewed on Fox regarding his work on intelligence committee and international issues.

Going in to the debate, Pete was the candidate I was most interested in hearing from, since I've heard the least from him on State issues. I was very happy that Pete has conservative positions on the issues and he brought up the important issue regarding all the strings attached to the Obama dollars that Granholm and the democrats are swilling up.

Speaking with Pete after the debate (I bumped into him between events) he spoke easily about the complex problem of Michigan being a donor state and clearly explained how they (Washington) use their leverage to control how Michigan spends its money.