Primary ballots predict challenges for November General Election

HOUGHTON, EAGLE RIVER -- The Aug.5, 2008, Michigan Primary Election will include some challenges to incumbents running for re-election. While some of these candidates are unopposed within their own party in the Primary, they may face a more serious challenge from opponents in the General Election on Nov. 4.

United States Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit) is running for re-election to a six-year term and is unopposed on the Democratic ballot; however, his Republican opponent, Jack Hoogendyk Jr., is likewise unopposed on his own party's ballot.

Known for his long career in the Senate (1978 to the present), Senator Levin's leadership and experience make him a strong candidate for the November General Election. Visit his Web site to learn about his accomplishments and his positions on many issues.

While U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), representing Michigan's First District, is also unopposed by any fellow Democrats, three Republicans will compete in the Primary in order to run against Stupak in November: Don Hooper of Iron River, Linda Goldthorpe of McMillan and Tom Casperson of Escanaba. For Bart Stupak's views on issues, visit his Web site.

Houghton County Democrats recently endorsed State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) for re-election to his position representing the 110th District (most of the Western U.P.) in the Michigan House of Representatives (see the press release on this). Lahti is opposed by one Democratic candidate, John Faccin of Crystal Falls, in the Primary. The winner of this race is expected to face Republican John Larson of Hancock in November.*

Locally, Houghton County Drain Commissioner John Sullivan of Houghton, unopposed by any fellow Republicans, could face a challenge in November by Democrat John Pekkala of Hancock, who is running on the Democratic Primary ticket without any Democratic opponent.

Houghton County Commissioner for District 3, Democrat Anton Pintar of South Range, is running for re-election, with no Primary opposition from Democrats; however Republican Craig Brewer of Hancock, also unopposed in his own party, could be a challenge for this Commissioner's seat in November. District 5 Commissioner Paul Luoma, Democrat, of Houghton, could face a November challenge from Republican Matt Huuki of Atlantic Mine. Both are unopposed in the Primary by any candidates in their respectives parties.

Three candidates (non-partisan) for Judge of the 97th District Court will face off in the Primary: Douglas Edwards, Michael Makinen and Mark Wisti. For the position of Judge of the 4th District Court of Appeals, voters will choose one from the following non-partisan candidates: Eric Doster, Jim Howell, Michael J. Kelly and Paula Manderfield.

Voters in Houghton County will also be asked to vote on the following millage proposal:

RENEWAL AND ALLOCATION OF OPERATING MILLAGE WITHIN THE COUNTY OF HOUGHTON

Shall a renewal of separate tax limitations be established for the period of 4 years ( 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 inclusive) for the County of Houghton and the Townships and Intermediate School District within the County, the aggregate of which shall not exceed 8.0 mills, as follows:

County of Houghton -- 6.3 mills

Townships -- 1.3 mills

Intermediate School District -- 0.4 mills

TOTAL: 8.0 mills

Keweenaw County

In Keweenaw County, the Primary ballots show few challenges. No Republicans or Democrats are on the ballot to challenge Democrats Donna Jaaskelainen, Prosecuting Attorney; Ronald Lahti, Sheriff; James Kaura, Inspector of Mines; or Byron Muljo, Road Commissioner. Republican Barbara Been, unopposed by any Republicans in the Primary, is expected to run against County Treasurer Geri Hall, Democrat, in November.

Four County Commissioners are running for re-election without opposition in the Primary: Republicans Joe Langdon, District 1, and Donald Keith, District 2; and Democrats Frank Stubenrauch, District 4, and Randy Eckloff, District 5. The District 3 Commissioner position is open because of the retirement of Al Gunnari. In the November election, however, three non-Primary independent candidates intend to run: Carol Rose Fouts will run for the District 3 position, while Tami A. Anderson and James A. Ziemnick will run for the District 4 and District 5 County Commissioner positions, respectively.

Keweenaw County voters will be asked to vote on the following Proposal:

08-01 Veteran's Millage

Shall the 15 mill tax limitation on general ad valorem taxes within Keweenaw County, State of Michigan, be increased as provided by Article IX, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan, by .1 mill (10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value) for each of the years 2008 through 2018 (10 years inclusive), for the purpose of authorizing Keweenaw County to levy such millage commencing in 2008 to equip, operate, maintain and defray debt service and provide support and assistance services to veterans through a multi-county department of Veteran's Affairs, which increase shall raise in the first year of the levy an estimated $11,781?

Polls in Michigan will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008.

Because of the controversial Michigan Primary held in January, no candidates for President of the United States will appear on this August Primary ballot.

*Editor's Note: See our June 23, 2008, interview with Mike Lahti to learn about his views. You can also send Mike a comment through his new Blog: http://mike-lahti.blogspot.com/.