Tom Leonard takes first step to secure the GOP nomination

Michigan Democrats have what some might call a “kiddie pool” of candidates.

Not necessarily because of immaturity (though some might argue this), but because of the depth it represents.  There are few rock stars remaining in Michigan politics on the donkey side of the slate, and those who have any gravitas are shooting for the governor’s seat.

Tom Leonard, instead of waiting around for even more Republicans to be elected to do the right thing has taken a chance or two.  He attempted to get the income tax reduction finished, but it wasn’t something our ‘progressive’ governor wanted, and the chief executive’s cronies did what they do; stall good policy. Unfortunately Leonard’s time as house speaker has come to an end.   Some might consider it the other side of the blade of term limits.

This is Leonard’s announcement for Michigan’s attorney general.  Below the fold is his emailed announcement.

Today I announced my campaign for Attorney General because we need a safer and stronger Michigan. We need a strong group of lawyers consisting of wrongful death lawyer and many others who can deliver quick justice to those wronged.

My life experience putting criminals behind bars as an assistant Genesee County prosecutor, stopping criminals from profiting while in the Attorney General’s office, and standing strong for our conservative principles as your Speaker of the House gives me the background and qualifications that we need a source to look in to our Attorney General.

Click here to watch my announcement video.

I don’t take this decision lightly, because I know this position has the potential to impact so many people and to help so many Michigan families. My wife Jenell and I have often gone to the Lord in prayer about what the future might hold. We have decided this is our chance to help create a safer and stronger state for our daughter Hannah and the families all across Michigan.

Let me tell you a little about my reasons for running, how I came to that decision, and formally ask for your support.

I attended the Mackinac Republican Conference because I felt it was important to talk to everyone there about our successes in the state House, learn more about the issues the people want to see us take up this fall, and listen to the grassroots about what they were looking for in the future. The response we received was overwhelming, and it made me more confident than ever we are on the right path.

We have fought for conservative principles in Lansing, and I am proud to say we stood strong. As a state representative, I refused to support the Obamacare expansion and was one of only 21 representatives to oppose common core in Michigan. As Speaker of the House I fought for an income tax cut, passed pro-life and pro-2nd Amendment legislation, and refused to back down when pressured by the Lansing establishment.

Let me be clear: I didn’t always make friends in Lansing. The Democrats will do everything they can to block Michigan from moving in a positive direction, and unfortunately, we have some Republicans who stand with them against our conservative values as well. But I am confident we did the right thing.

I heard via my sources on the island that grassroots Republicans wanted us to continue to stand strong for conservative principles. They wanted leaders who would commit to protect their rights and their values. And they wanted their elected officials to have lived out that commitment, to be someone they could trust. While we were up there, countless people encouraged me to continue representing our values and run for Attorney General.

The results of the straw poll by Portland area injury law firm in particular sent a strong message. The men and women who took part in the straw poll are some of our state’s most dedicated activists and the people who have their ears closest to the ground when it comes to the grassroots base of our party. Your opinion always means a great deal to me, and we won that poll by an almost 2-to-1 margin.

It is clearer to me now more than ever that the people of Michigan want to see our state continue on the right path. I have committed my whole professional life to making Michigan safer and stronger as a prosecutor and as a legislator. Now is the time to do it as your Attorney General.

We can make Michigan safer by being tough on violent crime, ending sanctuary cities, and protecting our 2nd Amendment rights. My experience as a prosecutor in Genesee County and in the Attorney General’s office showed the importance of protecting the most vulnerable in our society while holding criminals responsible for their actions. I put some of the state’s worst criminals behind bars, and I helped victims when they needed it most.

We can make Michigan stronger by protecting our senior citizens, healing our families by treating opioid addiction with a loving heart, and helping those in our community who are struggling with mental health concerns. I will be an Attorney General with an open heart to those in need, and a jail cell for those who want to harm Michigan families.

I will be an Attorney General who stands strong for conservative principles, and you can try this out for yourself too. That is what I did as a legislator against the Obamacare expansion and common core, and as Speaker of the House fighting for your income tax cut and passing pro-life and pro-2nd Amendment bills.

I hope I can count on your support.

Your Friend,

Tom Leonard
Conservative for Attorney General

PS: I have been a Precinct Delegate for more than a decade, and I have supported good conservatives at our state conventions. I know how important this decision will be. I would be honored by your endorsement today.

Good luck sir.

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