Analysts: Candidate faces tough battle to upset Whitmer By LINDSAY FREDERICKSON The State News Williamston - In a United Methodist church in his hometown, Larry Ward officially kicked off his campaign Thursday night in what many call an uphill climb against state House incumbent Gretchen Whitmer. Ward is the only Republican to file so far in the race for the 70th District House seat held by Whitmer, an East Lansing Democrat. His campaign manager, no-preference sophomore Jason Miller, said a GOP representative could better serve the MSU community. “MSU will have a unique opportunity to close the funding gap between...