Posted on 04/11/2005 8:42:30 PM PDT by Captain America
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The Rev. Keith Butler is expected Tuesday to jump into the Republican race for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Debbie Stabenow, according to Dave Doyle of Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group, which is helping with Butler's campaign.
Butler is the founding pastor of the 21,000-member nondenominational Word of Faith International Christian Center Church in Southfield and a former Detroit City Council member. According to his Web site, his 1989 election made him the first known Republican elected to the council since before World War II.
Butler plans to unveil his candidacy during a two-day swing that begins Tuesday morning in Southfield and ends Wednesday afternoon in Marquette. He also will stop in Lansing and Grand Rapids on Tuesday and in Flint and Traverse City on Wednesday.
Tuesday's announcement will make Butler the second Republican to formally enter the 2006 race. Troy industrial engineer Bart Baron already has said he will seek the GOP nomination.
Another possible candidate is Jane Abraham, a former Michigan GOP political director who's married to former U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. Stabenow narrowly defeated Spencer Abraham in his 2000 Senate re-election bid. The Abrahams currently live in McLean, Va.
Jane Abraham said Monday that she is getting closer to making a decision on whether to run. "I am pretty bullish on it," she added.
Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land of Byron Center has been approached about running but has not decided yet if she will run for re-election in 2006 or enter the Senate race, spokeswoman Kelly Chesney said Monday.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard was briefly in the GOP race, but withdrew for health reasons. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Brighton said last week that he has ruled out getting into the race. Detroit real estate developer Peter Cummings also decided against a run.
Butler graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Rhema Bible Training Institute and Canada Christian College. He is married to Deborah L. Butler, and the couple has three adult children.
------ On the Net:
Keith Butler: http://www.keithabutler.com/
Debbie Stabenow: http://stabenow.senate.gov/
Here's the details:
Rev. Keith Butler Senate Announcement Tour Tuesday, April 12
Southfield Venue: 10:00 a.m. VFW Hall - Post 2645 24222 W. Nine Mile Road Just west of Telegraph
Lansing Venue: 1:00 p.m. The Lansing Center Governor's Room 2nd Floor 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing
Grand Rapids Venue 4:00 p.m. Eberhard Center Room 215, 2nd Floor Grand Valley State University 401 Fulton St. W. Grand Rapids
Is he a "real Rev" or like Jesse and AL?
I haven't made a final decision yet, but if the primary was today, I would vote for him.
From all I've heard, he's real. I believe Larry goes to his church and could give you a better answer.
Do you know how Buter stands on the Second Amendment?
He is for real. He is part of the ad hoc committee of groups, such as Focus on the Family and several other big evangelical groups, that is working for a national Marriage Amendment.
He can't be worse than Stabenow, that's for sure. She voted to ban the .30-30.....all the while claiming she's "pro-hunting".
Thanks for the post and details.
Well, as Billyboy once said, "He knows how to build a crowd."
More power to him. We can use a good Black pastor on our side, and send that ridiculous woman back to private life.
You bet. Here's the day 2 info as well:
Wednesday, April 13
Flint/Saginaw Venue: 10:00 a.m.
Holiday Inn - Jefferson Room
5353 Gateway Center
Flint
Traverse City Venue: 1:00p.m.
Garfield Township Hall
3848 Veteran's Hall
Traverse City
Marquette Venue: 4:00 p.m.
Waterfront Grille
2050 U.S. 41 S.
Marquette
If he's the real deal, I hope he does well. He can't be any worse than Debbie Stabinow.
Keith Butler can beat Debbie Stabenow, soundly.
The schedule times have been slightly revised, according to the Butler website. Here they are:
Tuesday, April 12
There was an overflow crowd for the announcement at the VFW in Southfield. Of course, that's where his church is, and many in attendance were church members. I got there late and had to stand in the lobby, so didn't get to hear much.
Very good. He supports concealed carry, and is an avid shooter and big game hunter. He's made sure his entire family knows how to shoot, too.
Oh! He really sounds good, then. Thanks for the info!
PING
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