Last week the Democratic gubernatorial primary game of musical chairs continued, and a high-profile candidate announced that he would run as an independent.
As expected, House Speaker Andy Dillon announced that he was running for the Democratic nomination for governor. Two weeks ago, we reported that Dan Kildee had officially thrown his name into the ring as well. That was short-lived however. Eleven days later, Kildee withdrew from the race.
So that leaves Speaker Dillon, State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in the Democratic field. There are two months to go before the filing deadline and it appears that this may be the complete list. As of now (for the first time in two months,) no known candidates are mulling over a decision to get into the race or rumored to be considering a run.
Also last week, former Congressman and State Senator, Joe Schwarz announced that he was filing the necessary paperwork to run for governor as an independent candidate. Schwarz, a former Republican from Battle Creek, needs to collect 30,000 signatures by July to qualify for the November ballot.