Posted on 03/24/2003 6:19:21 PM PST by Dan from Michigan
Blanchard to host Kerry fund-raiser in Detroit
The Associated Press
3/24/03 8:56 PM
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts appeared in Detroit Monday night for a fund-raiser hosted by former Gov. James Blanchard.
Kerry, one of nine Democrats running for the presidential nomination, was last in Michigan in October. While here, he campaigned for several Democratic candidates, including Jennifer Granholm, who went on to win the governor's race.
During that October visit, Blanchard hosted an event for Kerry at the Detroit Athletic Club.
Blanchard, now in private law practice, said he hoped to raise about $200,000 for Kerry at Monday's $1,000-per-person event Monday night at the Ponchartrain Hotel.
"He has warm ties with most of the Democratic leaders and activists in Michigan," Blanchard said, noting that Kerry will be the keynote speaker at the May 10 Jefferson-Jackson Day event, an annual Democratic Party event that draws more than 1,000 people.
"I just think he's uniquely and superbly qualified to lead the United States of America. He would make a great president and be our strongest candidate," Blanchard added.
About 120 people attended the two-hour event Monday night and watched a video on Kerry's career. The senator spoke for about 20 minutes and talked about the need to improve the economy, health care and education in the United States.
Among those introducing Kerry was Dan Mulhern, husband of Gov. Granholm. Although Mulhern said the Governor has not taken a stand on which candidate she supports.
Michigan won't hold its Democratic presidential caucuses until next January or February, but Blanchard doesn't think it's too early to get on board with Kerry.
"If you have a candidate you believe is really talented and who can do a good job, you don't wait," he said. "I think Kerry's chances are as good or better than (Bill) Clinton's chances were in '92."
Many of the Democrats running for president also have visited Michigan, including U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, U.S. Sens. John Edwards of North Carolina and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. The Rev. Al Sharpton of New York also has been to the state.
He lost in 1990...to then unknown John Engler.
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