Schuitmaker for Senate

Schuitmaker announces plans to run for state Senate

PORTAGE -- State Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker said Monday she intends to run in 2010 for the 20th District state Senate seat currently held by state Sen. Tom George.

The 20th District covers all of Kalamazoo County, including Antwerp and Paw Paw townships in Van Buren County. George cannot seek for re-election in 2010 because of term limits and said he is planning a run for governor.

Schuitmaker is the second Republican to indicate interest in the 20th District. Former state Rep. Lorence Wenke recently told the Kalamazoo Gazette he is thinking about running for the seat.

Schuitmaker, R-Antwerp Township, was first elected to the Michigan House in 2004. She represents the 80th District, covering Van Buren County, the city of Otsego and the townships of Otsego and Watson in Allegan County. She is currently Republican assistant minority floor leader and minority vice chair of the House.

Schuitmaker said she planned to file paperwork Monday to form a campaign committee and "will be taking the next year to meet with the residents of the greater Kalamazoo Valley as we work together to develop creative solutions and ideas to make Michigan better."

" The economic indicators in Michigan are not positive," she said in a statement announcing her Senate plans.

"Michigan, with its abundance of natural resources, universities and talented workforce, has been leading the nation for far too long in unemployment, decreased property values, crumbling infrastructure, and students who leave after graduating from our universities."