Sections

Baker seeking 4th term despite Gov. Engler's criticism

Baker said he has "substantial support" around the state and a $22,000 campaign war chest.

"We have 220 people working with us around the state," Baker said. "Former President Ford has endorsed the campaign."

Two Democrats and two Republicans will be nominated by their respective parties in August. The nominees will compete for two, eight-year seats on the board. The top two overall vote-getters will sit at the regents' table. If elected, Baker would serve his fourth consecutive term.

Baker said his supporters include Peter Secchia, former ambassador to Italy, and Don Canham, former University athletic director.

During his time on the board, Baker has taken strong stands against the institutionalized recognition of gay and lesbian rights and the implementation of the Code of Student Conduct.

At a meeting of the Presidential Search Committee in February, he introduced a proposal comparing the pervasiveness of political correctness to "the devil." Baker frequently dissents from the rest of the board -- including fellow Republicans -- in casting lone votes of opposition on issues such as the Code.

With 24 years of experience on the board already under his belt, Baker says he still has more to contribute.

"I bring to the board a historical perspective on the institution," he said. "In the next eight years, we have some serious questions to answer on the economic side."

Baker listed among his goals "an improvement in the quality of undergraduate education," increased fund-raising and limits on tuition hikes.

Anne Marie Ellison, chair of the Student Rights Commission of the Michigan Student Assembly, said she supports Baker because of his anti-Code position.

"He was the one great voice of dissent on the Code of Student Conduct," Ellison said. "There are certain other issues where I disagree with Regent Baker, but on the issue of the Code he's been steadfast, and perhaps for that reason alone I support him."

Ryan LaLonde, chair of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Task Force of MSA, said Baker is an extremist in the tradition of Jesse Helms.

"He doesn't know the students," LaLonde said. "He doesn't make a connection with them. He's from the 1950s, basically."

Last fall, Baker was a target of criticism from the office of Gov. John Engler. In November, John Truscott, the governor's spokesperson, said the governor supports term limits, and thought it was "time to get fresh blood on the board."

Truscott cited Baker's alleged involvement with Regents Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor) and Laurence Deitch (D-Bloomfield Hills) in an alleged plot to force Duderstadt's resignation as another factor.

Baker denies this charge, and Duderstadt says his decision to leave the presidency should not have any political impact. Baker also opposes term limits for regents.

Pat Masserant, a spokesperson for Engler, said last week that the regents' election "doesn't have anything to do with the governor's office."

"The governor still believes he should be able to appoint all university board members," Masserant said. "At this point, he's just not involved (with the election)."

Duderstadt said the regents' elections are often tied to the larger context of state and national politics.

"A sitting governor can have great influence over his party," Duderstadt said. "On the other hand, this is a year when the governor is not running for re-election himself."

Baker said his long service on the board is an asset in distinguishing himself from other candidates.

"Each time I've run, I've led the ticket in votes gathered by a very substantial margin," Baker said. "I have a better chance of being re-elected in a state election."

In 1988, Baker had 54,000 more votes than the second-place finisher, Regent Nellie Varner (D-Detroit). In 1980, Baker won with 100,000 more votes than Varner.

The only other candidate who is currently seeking the Republican nomination is Grand Rapids resident Judy Frey. Frey said the regents are in need of more representation from citizens outside the Ann Arbor-Detroit area. Currently, Daniel Horning (R-Grand Haven) and Shirley McFee (R-Battle Creek) are the only regents from the increasingly powerful, largely conservative west side of the state.

"We're all taxpayers and this is a public institution," Frey said. "We all need to be heard. There are different views in this part of the state."

Frey has served in many statewide and local organizations, including as president of the East Grand Rapids school board. Frey, who graduated in 1959, said she and her family have strong ties to the University.