2 Mich. gubernatorial candidates speak to students

WKAR Public Media

Published March 19, 2010 at 6:28 PM EDT

By AP

BEVERLY HILLS, MI –

Two Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates found common ground while speaking to private school students in suburban Detroit.

Democratic House Speaker state Rep. Andy Dillon and Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra said Friday a more business-friendly government can help reduce Michigan's nation-leading unemployment rate.

The candidates were invited to Detroit Country Day Upper School in Beverly Hills to offer ideas for Michigan's future.

Besides Dillon, the Democratic field includes Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith. Other Republicans running are Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Attorney General Mike Cox, state Sen. Tom George and Ann Arbor business leader Rick Snyder.

Former Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz is considering running as an independent.

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