The following is a roundup of Record-Eagle endorsements for the Nov. 7 election.
GOVERNOR: Blaming Democratic GOV. JENNIFER GRANHOLM for Michigan's lost manufacturing base is simplistic to the point of dishonesty.
What voters should worry about now is how to pump new life into our auto-wrecked economy. Republican challenger Dick DeVos has so far declined to outline a plan beyond cutting $3.4 billion in business taxes with no plan to replace the revenue.
Granholm is pushing high-tech corridors with tax breaks and incentives and more tourism advertising. She deserves re-election.
SECRETARY OF STATE: When incumbent Republican TERRI LYNN LAND ran for office in 2002 she promised to improve services and branch offices. And she's delivered.
Democratic Carmella Sabaugh has a record of accomplishment, but Land has earned re-election.
ATTORNEY GENERAL: There's no good choice in this race.
Incumbent Republican Mike Cox has shown he'll put politics over policy. His challenger, Democrat Amos Williams, isn't qualified.
Cox gave Benzie County's Graceland Fruit a pass on possible felony charges over a flagrant dumping of toxic materials; promised civil penalties haven't happened. Cox described Graceland owner Don Nugent, a Michigan State University trustee and prominent Republican, as his "good friend."
U.S. SENATE: Incumbent Democrat DEBBIE STABENOW has worked on a lot of everyday issues that hit close to home, like prescription drug prices, Canadian trash, pension reform, veterans benefits and fruit farmers. She deserves re-election. Challenger Michael Bouchard, hasn't shown he can do it better.
U.S. HOUSE:
1st DISTRICT. Incumbent Democrat BART STUPAK continues to focus on issues critical to his district, such as the Great Lakes and water, veterans' needs and energy, and deserves re-election. Republican challenger Don Hooper isn't qualified.
2nd DISTRICT. Incumbent Republican Peter Hoekstra, chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee, has helped perpetuate the Iraq weapons of mass destruction myth. His leadership hasn't helped the country or his district. Democrat Kimon Kotos lacks experience.
4th DISTRICT. Incumbent Republican Dave Camp is a poster boy for campaign funding excess. Democratic challenger MIKE HUCKLEBERRY is a common-sense populist who has zeroed in on issues like health care and jobs. Huckleberry deserves a chance.
STATE SENATE:
37th DISTRICT. Incumbent Jason Allen's failure to disclose the source of thousands in contributions to non-public accounts and his interference in Traverse City's parking deck proposal raise serious questions about his priorities. Voters must ask themselves who Allen would represent — constituents or those outside the district who have donated thousands. Allen helped quash a parking deck plan that could have competed with a proposal from a firm whose CEO had given Allen's leadership fund two $10,000 donations. He has established three funds to accept corporate and lobbyist cash that can't go into normal campaign accounts. Allen's opponent, Democrat Sharon Unger of Bellaire, lacks prior experience in elective office.
35th DISTRICT. Incumbent Republican MICHELLE MCMANUS has established a solid track record of putting district needs first, including fighting to protect northern Michigan wineries and a youth prison in Lake County. She has earned re-election. Her challenger is Democrat Antoinette Schippers of Cadillac, a teacher and activist.
STATE HOUSE:
101st DISTRICT. Incumbent Republican DAVID PALSROK is facing a tough race against newcomer Dan Scripps, but Palsrok has earned another term.
104th DISTRICT. Democratic challenger ROMAN GRUCZ brings savvy, life experience and energy and deserves the opportunity over incumbent Republican Howard Walker.
105th DISTRICT. Incumbent Republican KEVIN ELSENHEIMER deserves re-election over Democrat Tom Hay Bauer.
STATE BALLOT ISSUES:
Proposal 1. To create a fund to protect conservation and recreation fees from raids by lawmakers. Vote "yes."
Proposal 2. To ban public institutions from using affirmative action for public employment, education or contracting purposes. Vote "no."
Proposal 3. To authorize the state to create a dove hunting season. Vote "no."
Proposal 4. To prohibit government from taking private property by eminent domain for private purposes. Vote "yes."
Proposal 5. To increase school funding, provide annual funding increases, require state to fund deficiencies and shift retirement contributions to state. Vote "no."
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY BOARD:
District 1. Democrat DONNA HORNBERGER is better qualified to replace former commissioner Tom Kern than Republican Bruce Hooper.
District 2. This race features two well-qualified candidates and Republican incumbent LARRY INMAN edges out challenger Robin James.
District 7. A race with two very good candidates. Republican newcomer CHRIS MAXBAUER will bring a fresh and demanding perspective to county business. Democrat John Nelson is also well qualified.
District 8. Good candidates, but experience and local knowledge give Republican LARRY FLEIS the edge over Democrat Phil Scott.
District 9. No endorsement in the race between Republican incumbent Addison Wheelock Jr. and Democrat Don Dierkes.
