CORRECTION: Earlier copy stated Franz victory margin was less than one tenth of a percentage point when it is actually less than one percentage point. We apologize for the error.
UPDATE: 11/05 6:00 AM
Republican Ray Franz has won a third term in Lansing by less than one percent of the vote. Franz had about 320 more votes than Democrat Tom Stobie in the race for Michigan's 101st House District.
That was the closest Democrats came in Northwest Lower Michigan yesterday to winning a state house or senate race. Betsy Coffia took less than 47 percent of the vote in her second run to represent Grand Traverse County. She lost to Grand Traverse County Commissioner Larry Inman.
Voters in Benzie County have approved a new property tax to enhance the region’s fight against illegal drugs. By a wide margin, voters agreed to pay for an additional officer to serve on the Traverse Narcotics Team, a regional team run by state police. Benzie County had a number of deaths from drug overdoses in the past year.
Voters in Boyne City want fluoride in their water. By more than a two-one margin voters agreed the city should fluoridate its water for dental health. The Boyne City commission decided to end the practice earlier this year, which led to yesterday’s voter referendum.
Voters in Acme Township have renewed a property tax to preserve farmland. Fifty-six percent of voters in Acme yesterday said yes to keeping the tax. The money is used to purchase development rights from willing farmers, meaning the land cannot be used to build homes.
UPDATE: 11/05 1:25 AM Betsy Coffia has conceded defeat in the race for Michigan's 104th state House seat. Republican Larry Inman will represent Grand Traverse County in Lansing.
11/04/2014
As the numbers rolled in late Tuesday night, some races around Michigan were decided while others remain in question.
Republican Wayne Schmidt declared victory over his Democratic challenger, Phil Bellfy, in the race for the 37th state Senate district.
"We worked hard," said Schmidt. "It all came together. It was a lot of hard work but well worth it. We’ve had good representation in the 37th Senate district. There’s some big shoes to fill here but we’re working hard (and) we’re going to do it.”
Two northern Michigan state House races are very tight.
Republican Ray Franz is trying to hold onto his House seat, fending off a challenge from former Frankfort Schools Superintendent and Democrat Tom Stobie.
With 70 percent of precincts reporting, Franz has a narrow lead – 52 percent to 48 percent.
The race for the Grand Traverse County state House seat - between Republican Larry Inman and Democrat Betsy Coffia - is also tight so far. The 104th seat has not gone Democratic in at least 20 years.
The Detroit Free Press is projecting a re-election for Republican Congressman Dan Benishek. The state’s northernmost Congressional district was the closest such race in northern Michigan.
Likewise, Republican Bill Huizinga will keep his seat in the 2nd Congressional District and John Moolenar maintains GOP control in the 4th district.
Around the state, there were not a lot of upsets.
Governor Rick Snyder has won over Democrat Mark Schauer.
State Attorney General Bill Schuette is projected to win re-election, according to the Detroit Free Press.
MLive says Ruth Johnson will remain Secretary of State.
One key Democratic victory is in the U.S. Senate seat held by the retiring Carl Levin. His seat will remain in control of Democrats. Gary Peters won a commanding victory tonight over Terri Lynn Land.