Snyder plans to announce run for Michigan governor

By AP

LANSING, MI – Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder is expected to formally enter the race to become Michigan's next governor.

The Republican has scheduled press events in Lansing, Dearborn, Flint and Grand Rapids on Tuesday.

Snyder is a venture capitalist and former president of computer-maker Gateway Inc.

Snyder, 50, would join a crowded field seeking the Republican nomination in 2010. Other Republican candidates include Attorney General Mike Cox, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Holland and state Sen. Tom George of Kalamazoo County's Texas Township.

Democrats expected to run include Lt. Gov. John Cherry and state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith of Washtenaw County's Salem Township.