Engler announces Bush state campaign leaders

Gov. John Engler announced the members of the Bush leadership team while formally kicking off the Texas governor's Michigan campaign yesterday. A Bush campaign headquarters is set to open in Lansing by Nov. 1.

Among those supporting Bush are Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus, Secretary of State Candice Miller, U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham, all but one of the state's GOP House members, 22 state senators and 44 state representatives. U.S. Rep. Nick Smith of Addison backs magazine publisher Steve Forbes.

Engler - who already has played a large part in the Bush campaign as an adviser, fund-raiser and political talk show stand-in - will chair the leadership team.

"The best way we can serve Michigan today is by getting a new (Republican) president in Washington," he said. "I will do anything I can to bring that about because I know what that means to Michigan families."

Engler praised Bush for pushing through the two biggest tax cuts in Texas history, making sure students learn to read, reforming welfare and fighting crime. "The election's going to be about vision," Engler said. "People are hungry for leadership."

Dennis Denno, spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party, said Democrats welcome the chance to debate Bush on the issues. "He has a horrendous record to defend," on health care, education and the environment, Denno said.

In Michigan and nationally, Bush leads other Republicans in the race. His efforts were helped yesterday when former American Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole dropped her bid for the GOP nomination. Engler said he would welcome Dole supporters to the Bush campaign.

Michigan has moved up its Republican primary to Feb. 22 and is expected to play a role in further whittling the field of GOP candidates. Bush already has made a few stops in the state, and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona spoke in Michigan three weeks ago during his national campaign kickoff swing.

Republican candidates Steve Forbes, Gary Bauer and Alan Keyes addressed party activists on Mackinac Island last month during a GOP leadership conference. Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah also is in the race.

Engler said he is taking nothing for granted despite Bush's lead. "With all the success we've had to date, we understand one thing: You win elections vote by vote, precinct by precinct," Engler said.

"We want to leave no voter out of the coalition."

10-21-99