Posted on 02/07/2005 5:35:43 AM PST by KidGlock
Amway's DeVos in no hurry to decide on '06 race
Sunday, February 06, 2005
By Steven Harmon \ The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- Dick DeVos will take the next "few" months to decide whether he should run for governor.
At the state Republican Party convention Saturday at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, the former Alticor president spoke publicly for the first time about a rumor that's swirled around GOP circles for weeks.
"I'm looking at this as an opportunity to serve the state I love," he said. "It deserves serious consideration. But it's a decision that should not be taken lightly."
Though DeVos was on the GOP stage during the convention, he sat in the background as Republicans said good-bye to their outgoing party chairwoman, his wife, Betsy DeVos, and officially nominated the incoming chairman, Saul Anuzis.
But Dick DeVos' presence on the stage was symbolic of some of the hopes Republicans have for their party as they look to the 2006 election.
"If he does decide to run, it'll be God that led him to it," said Judy Rose, a Kent County party delegate, and president of the Black Hills Neighborhood Association. "I'd love
to have him be my governor because he'd do it for all the right reasons."
On the other hand, Rose said, "I can't imagine him wanting to put himself out there. The position has so much grief."
A large part of DeVos' consideration is whether he would want to put his family through what would be a grueling process, DeVos said. But another factor is what all candidates want to know: how winnable is the governor's seat?
"I'll take the time to understand the issues that face the state and the political environment within which we're living," he said. "If I'm certain that I'm the individual that can make a meaningful difference, I'll be entering the race."
DeVos echoed what Republicans are making into a partisan mantra: that Gov. Jennifer Granholm is vulnerable, with unemployment above the national figures and the economy stagnant.
But his wife, Betsy, took center stage Saturday. She gave her farewell address and received a bouquet of roses from her successor, Anuzis.
She proclaimed the GOP in healthy financial shape for the 2006 election cycle. And she roused the 2,000 delegates with references to issues that dominated the 2004 campaign -- marriage and abortion.
She criticized Democrats as a party that "takes millions of dollars from celebrities and elites" and "chuckles at or cheers the destruction of our traditions" and "embraces" so-called partial birth abortion.
Anuzis was just as stark in his language, saying Republicans "smell blood" and are eager to take on Granholm and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Anuzis is a former aide to Dick Posthumus, the erstwhile state senator and gubernatorial candidate from Kent County.
What's his slogan? "A box of soap in every closet?"
I knew some ignoramus would post a stupid comment like this. Do you know that that DeVos and Van Andel families are some of the staunchest supporters and biggest contributors of the Republican party. They own multiple corporations including the 'Orlando Magic" that generate more than $15 Billion in worldwide revenue. The families have run major corporations in the black for more than 40 years and are some of the finest people this country has produced. Is'nt that the kind of people we want as public officials because he certainly is not in it for the money. You may have a mistaken opinion of one of the businesses he owns but what does that have to do with Dick DeVos as a candidate for governor. I have heard him speak and know his beliefs. He would be a great champion of free enterprise and conservative values and exactly the kind of person the Freepers should support. These families have created more than 10,000 jobs in Michigan and have single handedly revitalized the whole Grand Rapids area.
Before you make uninformed off the cuff comments, check out the facts and don't exhibit your ignorance by knee jerk remarks.
Reply to comment #2?
That was a reply to the first comment on the main article.
Not a box of soap in every home, rather, a garage full of soap and cassette tapes in every home.
Doesn't he go by Rich?
Then reply to Tijeras_Slim, not me.
As you can see and read, Maneesh is somewhat of a flame thrower if anyone on this forum does not agree with his assessment of the way things should be. Last week, I posted my experiences with family members who were Amway "salesmen" and how their aggressive sales tactics were somewhat deceitful and dishonest with other family members and friends. Maneesh replied to me and was very antagonistic in his assessment of what were factual experiences...and yes, he ranted for quite a long paragraph. Bottom line...if you don't fall in line with his opinions....he will attack you on your opinions and comments.
The father, Rich DeVos is in his 70s.
The son, Dick, is the one mentioned in the article.
Plus, he can't even hit the right "post reply" button.
Also, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard threw his name into the ring to run against Debbie Stabenow for US Senate her in Michigan.
her = here
Wasn't Bouchard a state senator or rep?
but, all of my comments are uninformed and off the cuff
I don't know much about DeVos.
Gov. Granola the communist is vulnerable, if we can get a handle on the vote cheaters and Rat thieves in and around Detroit.
Does DeVos have a position paper?
Very conservative.
Pro-life, pro-family, Club for Growth kind of Republican.
On January 11, 1999, Michigan Senator and Majority Floor Leader Michael Bouchard accepted the appointment as successor to John F. Nichols who passed away suddenly. In November of 2000, Sheriff Bouchard was returned to Office with the largest number of votes for any contested candidate in Oakland County.
So would that make him a Double Diamond? Or What?
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