Dillon opens committee for Mich. governor’s race; Stupak may run

Now that Lt. Gov. John Cherry (D) is out of the mix, Michigan state House Speaker Andy Dillon (D) is taking a step toward running for governor.

Dillon, who could be a Democratic favorite, on Thursday announced in a video on his website that he will be launching an exploratory committee for the race.

“I’ve seen what stands in the way of economic growth, and I know we can change it,” Dillon said. “But it won’t happen with the same old thinking.”

Dillon probably won’t be alone in the wide-open Democratic primary. With no well-known Democrat like Cherry set to run, other candidates are also looking at the race. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) hasn’t ruled it out, and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and former Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee are among those mentioned.

Kildee is the nephew of Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.).

Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) have said they won’t run, as has former Rep. David Bonior (D-Mich.), a 2002 candidate.