Dems seek majority in State house

By Hanna LoPatin

Daily Staff Reporter

After losing control in 1998, Democrats are trying to regain a majority in the House of Representatives in the upcoming election.

But Inside Michigan Politics Editor Bill Ballenger doesn't think that's likely to happen.

"The odds are against them being able to regain control," Ballenger said.

Two years ago Republicans grabbed a 58-52 majority in the House, giving them control over the entire state Legislature.

The state Senate, in which the GOP holds an eight-seat advantage, is not up for election this year.

Ballenger said many Democratic incumbents should be able to win re-election. But both Ballenger and Republican Party spokesman Sage Eastman cited the race of incumbent Rep. George Mans (D-Trenton) as one seat that Republicans will likely add to their side of the aisle.

"He's a representative who missed many crucial votes," Eastman said.

Term limits have also opened several Democratic seats, including Washtenaw County's 53rd District. Democratic Rep. Liz Brater will be succeeded either by fellow Democrat Chris Kolb or Republican Bob Bykowski.

Another open seat is the 68th, where Rep. Lingg Brewer (D-Holt) is leaving behind a battle between Lansing Democrat Virg Bernero and Holt Republican Stuart Goodrich.

"I think the Democrat has a substantial edge," Brewer said. The 68th District has elected a Democratic representative every year since 1972.

As to whether the Democrats will be able to regain control of the House, Brewer said "hope is eternal."

But with more than 90 percent of incumbents in both parties likely to be re-elected, Ballenger said it's unlikely that more than 10 or 12 seats will change hands.

The tight presidential race at the top of the ticket has prevented any momentum trickling down to state and local races, Ballenger said. Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Democratic Vice President Al Gore are neck-and-neck in Michigan.

"If (the presidential race) is very close, it's every man and woman running for himself or herself," Ballenger said.

Term-limited House Speaker Chuck Perricone (R-Kalamazoo Twp.) said he is optimistic about the Republicans maintaining control and is working hard campaigning for his party.

In his own district, where Republican Tom George, Democrat Curtis Bell, and Libertarian S. Sterling Nunnemaker are vying for Perricone's old spot, the House speaker said he is "quite certain" George will retain the 61st District seat for the Republicans.

Perricone was sent back to Lansing for his third term with 68 percent of the vote.

But much of the election results will depend on voter turnout, Perricone said.

The 1998 election had a historically low turnout for Republicans, Perricone said.

"We don't see any of those indicators this time around," he said.

Aside from gaining an even stronger majority, the Republicans' ultimate goal is to not lose any of their 58 seats in the House.

"If the Republicans stay the same," Ballenger said, "they'll still be a hit."