BY RICK PLUTA
Michigan Public Radio Network
The field seems cleared for two sons of Battle Creek to face each other in the 2014 race for Michigan governor. Former Congressman Mark Schauer filed papers Tuesday to run as a Democrat.
Other Democrats explored the possibility and dropped back in favor of Schauer, whose political career spans from the Battle Creek City Commission, to the state Legislature and Congress.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lon Johnson said the early start, the 2014 elections are 17 months away, will help Schauer challenge Republican Governor Rick Snyder.
"It's going to take a lot of organization. It's going to take a lot of messaging. And it's going to take a lot of money. To do that takes time." Johnson said.
Bobby Schostak is the Michigan Republican Party chairman. He said the state GOP is ready to pounce on Schauer's record in the state Legislature and Congress.
"We will make that very clear when you are voting for higher taxes, and more spending, and more regulation, it's wrong for Michigan. And we will get that message out loud and clear, so we see him as very vulnerable." Schostak said.
Schauer was among the thousands of protestors who demonstrated last December at the state Capitol against the Right to Work law signed by the governor. Snyder has indicated he intends to seek a second term, and is expected to formally announce later this year or early in 2014.
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