By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-885571.mp3
LANSING, MI – The contest for the Democratic nomination to run for governor remains fluid as former state Treasurer Robert Bowman removed his name from the list of possible contenders.
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Bowman maintains a part-time residence and is registered to vote in northern Michigan, but he lives in Connecticut. He runs the web operation for Major League Baseball and has been mentioned as a potential future baseball commissioner. Bowman filed papers to form a campaign committee last week, but in a written statement now says there are many reasons why he could not commit to a campaign for governor.
That leaves state Representative Alma Wheeler Smith and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero as the only announced candidates for the Democratic nomination. Former Genessee County Treasurer Dan Kildee - a nephew of Congressman Dale Kildee -- is expected to announce his plans very soon, and House Speaker Andy Dillon is also weighing a bid. The deadline for declaring is in May. But as a practical matter, candidates would have to launch their fundraising and grassroots organizing efforts well before then.