Miller holds post with name recognition

LANSING (AP) - Voters gave Republican Secretary of State Candice Miller the ultimate job approval rating yesterday, electing her for a second term in a lopsided race against Democratic state Rep. Mary Lou Parks.

With most precincts counted, Miller led 1,142,806 to 565,256, or 66 percent to 33 percent, while Reform Party candidate Perry Spencer had only 1 percent of the vote.

"People have seen dramatic improvement in the last four years, and I'm pleased with what appears to be a vote of confidence," Miller said during an election party in Lansing last night.

EPIC/MRA pollster Ed Sarpolus said Parks was helped by the union vote. A spokesperson for Parks said she did not plan to make a public statement.

Miller has held the seat for the last four years. With name recognition and a major edge in fund raising, she held a double-digit lead in pre-election polling throughout the campaign.

Parks is a Democrat from Detroit being ousted from the House by term limits this year.

Miller said she expected voters would cast ballots based on the faster service and other changes they have seen at secretary of state branch offices since she took office.

To further improve service, Miller said she wants to install public kiosks where people could electronically reregister vehicles. She also wants to offer multi-year registrations for vehicles and boats.

Miller's campaign raised $789,695 and aired several television ads in the last few weeks of the election.

By contrast, Parks raised $35,950, including $34,000 from the United Auto Workers. The Michigan Democratic Party produced one ad for Parks that was scheduled to run sporadically in urban markets.

Fund raising was a key issue in the campaign. Parks criticized Miller for receiving donations from auto dealers and others that the secretary of state office regulates. Parks also promised not to take such donations.

Miller responded that there is no evidence she has shown favoritism to any of her campaign donors. She also criticized Parks for her history of late campaign finance reports. Parks has been fined more than $1,920 for late reports in state elections.

11-04-98

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