WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) commented Tuesday on the election of Senator Barack Obama as President of the United States and added some comments on his own re-election to a ninth term in the U. S. House of Representatives."This historic election of Senator Barack Obama as President of the United States shows the true strength of our Democracy," Stupak said. "The overwhelming turnout is a testament to the American people and their demand for change and hope in our country's future. Senator Obama overcame incredible odds to win the Democratic nomination and the Presidency. Tonight, all Americans can celebrate a victory that we are hopeful will lead to the sweeping change our country needs.
"Senator Obama's campaign has truly been fought and won on the ground by the thousands of volunteers and ordinary citizens who stood up and demanded the change our country needs. I am excited about working with President Obama to put our economy back on track, end the skyrocketing health care costs, solve our nation's energy crisis and bring an end to the war in Iraq."
After speaking with his Republican challenger Tom Casperson, who conceded the race for Michigan's 1st Congressional District, Stupak issued this statement to his northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula constituents: "I appreciate the continued trust and support of northern Michigan voters and I am very proud of the great turnout in this historic election. I am committed to continuing to stand up for you and fight to implement the change necessary to move America forward. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue providing leadership you can trust."
Stupak, with 213,174 votes (65 percent) defeated Casperson, who had 107,319 votes (33 percent).
Democrats win U. S. Senate, State, local contested offices
Another important victory for Michigan Democrats was U.S. Senator Carl Levin's re-election. Sen. Levin (D-Detroit) received 3,033,550 votes (63 percent) to his major opponent Jack Hoogendyk's 1,639,165 (34 percent).
Michigan voters approved two statewide ballot proposals: Proposal 1, which will permit the use and cultivation of small amounts of marijuana for specified medical conditions; and Proposal 2, to expand the use of human embryos for medical research according to certain limits.
Mike Lahti (D-Hancock), State Representative for the 110th District, which includes much of the Western U.P., received 26,991 votes (70 percent) to defeat Republican opponent John Larson, who had 11,302 votes (30 percent). Lahti will serve a second two-year term.
In Houghton County's contest for 97th District Court Judge, a six-year term in a seat that was open because of the retirement of Judge Philip Kukkunen, Mark Wisti, with 8464 votes, defeated Douglas Edwards, who received 5905.
John Pekkala (D) will continue as Houghton County Drain Commissioner for a four-year term. His 6419 votes defeated Republican John Sullivan's 6156.
Two Democratic Houghton County Commissioners retained their seats against Republican challengers: In District 3, Anton Pintar received 1886 votes to defeat Republican Craig Brewer, who had 1095. Democrat Paul Luoma continues as District 5 Commissioner with 1798 votes over Matt Huuki's 1793.
Voters in the City of Hancock chose among write-in, non-partisan candidates two new members for the City Council's open seats, being vacated by Sarah Baratono and Barry Givens. In Ward III, John Slivon, with 76 votes, defeated two other write-ins -- Roland Burgan with 21 votes and Jeffrey Didion with 35 votes. Richard Freeman, with 111 votes, defeated Allyson Jabusch, 55 votes, for the Ward II position. Both Slivon and Freeman will serve four-year terms on the Council. In Hancock, out of 3061 eligible voters, the voter turnout was 2010 or 67 percent.
In Keweenaw County incumbent County Treasurer Geri Hall (D) retained her position against a challenge by Republican Barbara Been. Hall received 776 votes to Been's 599.
Two seats on the Keweenaw County Board were contested: In District 4, incumbent County Commissioner Frank Stubenrauch retained his seat for another four-year term over a challenge by Tami Anderson (no party affiliation). Stubenrauch received 161 votes and Anderson 53. In District 5 incumbent Commissioner Randy Eckloff (D), with 189 votes, defeated challenger James Ziemnick (no party affiliation), who received 100 votes.
Carol Rose Fouts (Carol Rose), who ran unopposed, will serve as Keweenaw County Commissioner in the seat formerly held by Jeff Turnquist, who was appointed to replace retired Commissioner Al Gunnari.
Editor's Note: This information is taken from Congressman Stupak's press releases, from the WLUC-TV 6 Web site and from the WNMU-Public Radio 90 Web site. Visit these Web sites for more Election results.
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