May 19
Hansen, Booher endorse Huizenga for Congress
Former State Rep. Bill Huizenga continued to build momentum in his campaign for Congress today by picking up the endorsements of two veteran West Michigan lawmakers.
State Rep. Goeff Hansen (R-Hart) and State Rep. Darwin Booher (R-Evart) both announced their support for Huizenga in Michigan’s 2nd Congressional district race. Hansen and Booher are both wrapping up their third and final terms in the state House and are both candidates for the state Senate.
“The people of the 2nd Congressional district would be well-served by having Bill Huizenga representing them in the U.S. Congress,” said Hansen, who represents the 100th state House district and is seeking the 34th state Senate seat currently held by term-limited Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom.
“Bill’s small business background, experience as a Congressional aide to U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra and his tenure as a state representative uniquely prepares him to develop solutions that will help fix our economy and put people back to work.”
Booher cited Huizenga’s strong concern for the people of West Michigan, and the impact that government decisions have on their everyday lives. Booher currently represents the 102nd state House district and is running for the Senate in the 35th district.
“I served with Bill Huizenga in the Michigan House of Representatives for four years and know the service that he provides to the constituents of his district,” Booher said. “I believe the people of the 2nd Congressional district will benefit from the concern for people that Bill has, along with his diligence in making sure he understands the issues and the impact they may have on citizens.”
Huizenga said he was thrilled to receive the backing of two of West Michigan’s most distinguished lawmakers.
“These are two men who are well respected in their communities, for very good reasons,” said Huizenga, who is seeking the Republican nomination in the Aug. 3 primary in hopes of replacing his former boss, U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, who is leaving Congress to run for governor.
“They are both longtime successful business people who were chosen by their communities to represent them in Lansing, and they both did so with great distinction. I’m honored to have their endorsements.”
The two endorsements further strengthen Huizenga’s position in the northern part of the 2nd Congressional district. His appeal to voters in the region was demonstrated earlier this month at a joint Lincoln Day dinner for Republicans from Manistee, Mason, Lake, Oceana and Benzie counties.
In a straw poll of attendants, Huizenga finished first with 71 percent of the 225 votes cast. Bill Cooper finished second in the poll with about 20 percent, while Jay Reimersma and State. Sen. Wayne Kuipers finished a distant third and fourth, respectively.
The Huizenga campaign has also completed and filed its fundraising report for the first quarter of 2010. The campaign reported raising $48,882 from January 1 through March 31, bringing the overall total to $200,408.
The campaign reported that the vast majority of its contributions have been coming in the form of small donations from working people who live in the 2nd Congressional district.
“In these difficult economic times, I very much appreciate the fact that so many everyday people from right here in West Michigan have opened up their checkbooks to help me with this crucial campaign,” Huizenga said. “I believe I lead all the candidates in terms of donations from people who actually live in Michigan and in the 2nd Congressional district. I think that’s a strong sign of voter support.”
