11/08/2006

Camp is leading challenger

By
Record-Eagle staff writer

TRAVERSE CITY — Rep. Dave Camp earned another term in the U.S. House of Representatives by a large margin over his challenger Mike Huckleberry.

"I've gotten great support and it was a strong win. I'm humbled by the number of people who have been supportive," Camp said. "There's a lot to do and there are a lot of challenges in our country. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work."

Final vote totals weren't available late Tuesday, but Camp appeared to have a large lead over Huckleberry.

Camp, from Midland, was first elected 16 years ago. Huckleberry, a businessman from Greenville, also lost his bid in 2004 when he captured 35 percent of the votes compared to 64 percent that went to Camp in that race.

Huckleberry said he was not ready to concede without all of the vote totals.

"We're waiting to see exactly what Saginaw does. I guess I feel that it's not over until it's over. The numbers look good for him, but I'm not ready to concede," Huckleberry said.

Michigan's 4th Congressional District is made up of 14 counties, including Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Roscommon, Osceola, Clare, Mecosta, Isabella, Midland, Montcalm, and Gratiot. It also includes parts of Saginaw and Shiawassee counties.

Iraq, the financial toll of the war, and the connection between Iraq and the war on terror dominated much of a recent debate between the incumbent and his challenger. That debate was held in Traverse City.