Hansen cruises to victory for two more years in Legislature

By Lindsey Alpert and Jacquelyn Nixon

Daily Staff Reporters

Democratic incumbent John Hansen won a landslide victory yesterday over Republican candidate Scott Wojack in his bid for re-election to the 52nd District seat in the Michigan Legislature.

As of 2 a.m., Hansen (D-Dexter) had obtained 66 percent of the vote.

"My campaign was doing my job on a day-to-day basis," he said.

Hansen said coming into the election as an incumbent was the most advantageous aspect of his campaign and as a result he didn't spend a lot of time or money on publicity.

Hansen also attributed Democratic support in Ann Arbor to his victory.

The 52nd District, which includes part of North Campus, is comprised of Webster, Scio, Linden, Northfield and Dexter townships and parts of wards I, III and V in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor resident Chad Bailey said Hansen's campaign slogan, "For Kids of All Ages," contributed to the representative's victory and fairly represented his commitment to his constituents.

Bailey also said Hansen's general perspectives on life make him a good representative for the general community.

"He's hospitable to his constituents and he's a connected politician," Bailey said at a gathering of local Democratic candidates at Arbor Brewing Company last night.

Since being elected to his first term two years ago, Hansen has made education one of his primary concerns.

"He has a strong experience base since he's been a school teacher and principal," Bailey said.

Hansen previously served as a superintendent and principal in the Dexter school district. The experience he gained in the education system was all he took to the Legislature two years ago.

"It took me a while to get used to the partisanship," Hansen said. "Now I'm used to it, but I don't like it."

His Republican challenger, Scott Wojack, finished his first campaign last night. He placed his primary focus on education, supporting school vouchers and brainstorming new alternative models for Michigan schools.

"Yes, I'm excited, very much so," Wojack said. "I've never done this before in my life."

A recent graduate of Eastern Michigan University and a newspaper carrier, Wojack anxiously awaited the election results at Leopold Brothers of Ann Arbor with other local members of the Republican Party.

"If it's not close I'm going back to redo my political science degree," Wojack said. "I've got lots of visions and ideas, and I like politics."

State House 52nd district

Wojack GOP 15,307

As of 2 a.m

JUSTIN FITZGERALD/Daily

Democratic state Rep. John Hansen watches voting returns with supporters at Arbor Brewing Company last night. Hansen beat his opponent, Scott Wojack, in a landslide to win a second term in Lansing.