First Lady speaks at DeVos reception

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5470848 ^ | Friday, September 29, 2006 | Maureen Feighan

[Alex1977]

OAKLAND COUNTY -- First Lady Laura Bush was in Michigan Thursday stumping for the Republican candidate for governor and pushing some of her own initiatives.

Thursday marked the first time during Republican candidate Dick DeVos's campaign in which he appeared with a major member of the administration.

When President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney came to Michigan for fundraisers helping GOP U.S. Senate candidate Mike Bouchard, DeVos was nowhere to be found.

DeVos spokesman John Truscott said DeVos already had commitments when the president and vice president announced they were coming to Michigan. But Democrats say it's clear the Ada businessman is trying to avoid being seen with anyone from the Bush administration.

24 Hour News 8 asked DeVos why he chose to meet with Laura Bush but not her husband or Cheney.

"Mrs. Bush was (at) an event that we invited her (to) and obviously we planned our schedule so that she could be here," DeVos said, adding, "The president and vice president are always welcome in Michigan. Anytime the president of the U.S. comes to Michigan and we can tell our story, that's a good thing."

The first lady's popularity remains high compared to that of her husband's. She took time to discuss her role as the head of the helping America's youth initiative.

"Helping young people to make wise decisions for their lives is at the heart of helping American's youth." She said.

The $1,000-a-plate fundraiser raised about $200,000 for the DeVos campaign.

[Alex1977]

I hope he will win.

[Hazcat]

DeVos convention? Used to like their music but a convention for them? They weren't that good. ;)

[DaiHuy]

Who is he running against, Stabacow?

[outfield]

No, DeVos is running against the incumbent, Jennifer Granholm.

Dick is really trying to distance himself from the President and anyone in the Administration, but I guess the First Lady can't hurt. This race is a real dog fight and should get really interesting next week, I believe the first debate is Monday. DeVos needs to take the focus off of his Amway management days and the China jobs issue and refocus on the Governor. I'm a little worried at this point as the Dems are really going after DeVos background and trying to put the spin on.

[hardknocks]

Interesting tactic.

I agree that DeVos is in trouble--the campaign in general has shifted focus onto his negatives, and he's left on the defensive.