By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
East Lansing, MI – East Lansing, MI (MPRN) - A fifth prospect has entered the already-crowded field of G-O-P candidates for governor. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard has formed a campaign committee, and went on an announcement tour Wednesday.
Bouchard says his experience as sheriff, a business owner, and a legislator have prepared him to be governor: "I've made tough decisions. I've sat in those chambers. I understand what needs to happen on Day One. I'm not going to have to lean to my right or my left and say, 'What do you think?' I'm going to know when I sit down, here's the first series of orders that I'm going to right this ship."
Bouchard says some of those decisions might be so unpopular he'd be able to serve just one term as governor. Bouchard was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for the U-S Senate nominee three years ago.
The GOP gubernatorial field also includes Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, state Senator Tom George, Attorney General Mike Cox, and Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder.
Lieutenant Governor John Cherry, state Representative Alma Wheeler Smith, and former state Representative John Freeman are all prospective Democratic nominees.
Governor Granholm cannot seek a third term.