The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
'Voters sent a clear message'
Schauer wins close primary, turns his attention to Walberg
By Daniel Lai †, Heritage Newspapers†††
PUBLISHED: August 7, 2008
In a close race for Michigan's 7th Congressional District,† state Sen. Mark Schauer, D-District 19, defeated fellow Democrat Sharon Renier in Tuesday's primary election.
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Schauer finished with 3,398 votes to Renier's 2,192 votes. He will now go on to face Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg in the general election in November.
"Our campaign is a building process," he said. "I credit our success to the aggressive grassroots work of our supporters. On Tuesday the voters sent a clear message that they want someone who has the proven track record to fight for Michigan.
"Tuesday marked the starting gun for our sprint to changing Washington in November. Voters now have a clear choice between someone who will roll up their sleeves to help turn Michigan's economy around, one job at a time. I have a strong record of working with Democrats and Republicans to save and create jobs. I'll support an energy plan that puts the needs of consumers ahead of record profits for big oil companies, and I'll get started on day one fixing what's broken in Washington."
Schauer said he enjoyed campaigning against Renier and has high regard for his former opponent.
"I always respect my opponents and I have been completely positive from day one in my campaign," he said. "Sharon exhibits the spirit of change we need in Michigan. I wish her the best."
Looking forward to the November election, Shauer said his campaign will immediately begin focusing on Walberg and his track record in the U.S. House.
"We absolutely will focus on the differences between us," he said. "I have a strong record of fighting to turn Michigan's economy around while Tim Walberg continues to serve as a rubber stamp for the Bush administration in Washington."
Walberg, a freshman representative elected to the U.S. House in 2006, said the upcoming election should focus on the state's dwindling economy and other factors important to voters.
"I called Sen. Schauer to congratulate him on his Democrat primary victory and urged that the campaign ahead be focused on how to help Michigan families, improve our economy and develop new energy sources," he said. "I am working to eliminate wasteful government spending and stop tax increases while Sen. Schauer was the deciding vote in favor of the largest tax increase in Michigan history.
"I am fighting to increase American energy production and develop renewable alternatives, while Sen. Schauer opposes expanding oil drilling. The future of Michigan is at stake and I look forward to the discussion on how to bring jobs, hope and opportunity to the citizens of south central Michigan."
Schauer said as part of his grassroots campaign, he will continue holding town hall meetings and informal coffee hours with residents in Washtenaw County.
"Washtenaw County is a very important part of my campaign," he said. "The talent that exists there will be part of the solution of turning Michigan's economy around."
Editor Daniel Lai can be reached at 428-8173 or dlai@heritage.com.
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