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U.S. 2nd District

The Second Congressional District includes: Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties in their entirety as well as portions of Allegan, Kent, and Mason Counties.

Bill Huizenga – Incumbent (R)

Dennis B. Murphy – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Supplier quality engineer
Residence: Grandville

Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 2nd District?
“I am running because I do not think our current representative is looking out for the real interests of the vast majority of citizens in our district. The district is effectively ignored and I don’t think Republican policies actually help most of the people in terms of jobs, civic improvements, infrastructure, etc. We need positive action from our government to effect positive change.”

What issues are a high priority to you?
“Social Security is my number one issue in that I want to make sure it stays funded and is not privatized. I also believe there needs to be a nationwide standard for elections. I am against Pipeline 5, especially after what happened with the Kalamazoo River. We don’t need oil bubbling up in the Straits of Mackinaw.”

When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?
“Well, if I continue to do well in the campaign that will naturally bring attention to the west since this area is safely Republican. Michigan overall is primarily Democrat, so here, I am hoping to make my voice heard. I hope by hammering the issues I will make people understand they’re voting for the wrong person.”

Erwin Haas – Candidate (L)

Occupation: City Commissioner for Kentwood and semi-retired physician
Residence: Kentwood

Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 2nd District?

“I see the distorting influences of the Federal Government on small cities like Kentwood. I see taxpayer money going to small ‘free’ services we don’t need and our current representative not adhering to his conservative values.”

What issues are a high priority to you?

“I think there is a major problem with how we collect taxes. We should get ride of the IRS and instead institute a fair tax. I believe we should readdress our military to focus on our boarders here at home and not worry about what’s going on overseas.”

When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?

“I would focus on keeping the government out of situations it doesn’t need to be in. People in West Michigan tend to be self starters. They aren’t as dependent on the government and its services.”

U.S. 3rd District

The 3rd District includes the counties of Barry, Ionia, and all but the southwest portion of Kent.

Doug Smith – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Sheet Metal Workers Local 7
Residence: Belmont

Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 3rd District?
“I’ve protested in the past against unfair legislation and didn’t see results. To have a chance at changing politics, you need to do it from within. I wanted to give the people a politician who wasn’t corrupted.

What issues are a high priority to you?
“Overturning Citizens United and getting big money out of politics. I also want to get as many people as possible into the voting process by having open primaries and automatic voter registration when someone turns 18.”

When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?
“Michigan as a whole needs reps who can focus on the state as a whole. Investments in infrastructure everywhere are important so that Flint doesn’t happen anywhere else. My construction background can help with infrastructure upgrades and better transportation.”

Justin Amash – Incumbent (R)

Justin Amash is the Incumbent and Republican nominee for the 3rd District. He will be running against Doug Smith in the November 8 election.

72nd District

The 72nd District includes the City of Kentwood and Gaines Township in Kent County and Leighton Township, Wayland Township, Dorr Township and the City of Wayland in Allegan County. The seat is currently held by Ken Yonker, who is vacating due to term limits.

Steven Johnson – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Four years in the Air Force and now campaigning as a full-time candidate
Residence: Wayland Township

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative? 

“I didn’t initially plan on running, but after seeing videos of Planned Parenthood selling baby parts while the government still chose to fund them, I decided to get involved. I called some local candidates to hear their stance and concerns with specific issues and didn’t receive a straight answer. I then chose to run myself.”

What issues would you address if elected?

“We need to repeal Common Core. It’s a one-size method that doesn’t fit everyone. I’m Pro-Life and support a life at conception act. I would also stop corporate welfare. Too often big companies, like Switch coming into Gaines Township, are given big tax breaks.”

Steve Shoemaker – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Worked for Steelcase for 25 years as a Skilled Trades Journeyman. Retired in 2005.
Residence: Caledonia

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative? 

“I saw some decisions that came out of Lansing that I didn’t agree with. The current 72nd district representative made some votes that I felt went against what he believed. As a leader its important to make tough decisions even if they’re not popular. I want to ensure the opportunities I had in the 72nd District – jobs, income, lifestyle, etc. – are available to every citizen.”

What issue would you address if elected? 

“The government needs to be made more transparent. Right now, Michigan ranks dead last in transparency. I would draft a bill to repeal exemption for Freedom of Information Act blockage for government representatives. I want to keep government transparency at the forefront.”

77th District

The 77th District includes Byron Township and the City of Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Thomas Hooker of Byron Township, who is vacating due to term limits.

Tommy Brann – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Owner of Brann’s Steakhouse since he was 19-years-old.

Residence: Wyoming

Why did you decide to run for the 77th District Representative?
“I’ve always been interested in politics and admired the people who do it. I believe in free enterprise. There’s a lot of stories of entrepreneurs that I want to share not only with the government, but with children as well. I can help influence education.”

What issues would you address if elected?
“I would like to keep government simple. I believe the simpler, the better. Right now the state has $27.2 billion for teachers pension that is unfunded. The budget needs to be balanced, and that means no debt.”