As expected, Gov. Snyder is endorsing Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley to take over his job next year.
Snyder made that official with a public endorsement in Southfield today.
Snyder says he’s been waiting to endorse Calley for governor ever since he picked him to be his lieutenant eight years ago, calling the 40-year-old Calley the right person to continue what he calls Michigan’s recent “comeback.”
“This is about the next generation of Michigan,” Snyder said. “Let’s figure out how to have good succession in letting the next generation come in and run our state. He’s ready to go.”
Snyder touted his own record over two terms in office, and Calley says he’s not afraid to run on that legacy.
“Rick Snyder provided exactly the right type of leadership that we needed,” Calley said. “And as we move forward into the future, we’re building on this foundation.”
“I decided to run for governor because I want to build on this strong foundation that has been laid. To bring it to the next level. And it’s going to take investment in our people.”
Calley says he plans to build on some of Snyder’s education initiatives that he says are in “early stages,” including his Marshall Plan for Talent, third-grade reading requirement, and investments in early childhood education.
Calley says he also wants to bring more resources to the fight against opioid addiction, and is committed to “bringing civility back to public service.” As for dealing with Michigan’s crumbling road conditions, Calley says more road funding is now being “phased in” and pointed to some pilot projects to reduce building and maintenance costs, but added there is no “silver bullet answer.”
Neither Calley nor Snyder mentioned Calley’s main rival in the Republican governor’s race, state Attorney General Bill Schuette.
