General Election Overview: 70th House District

Liz Gullett

Sep 27, 2016

Through the general election on November 8, on every Tuesday and Thursday on the MLC Blog we will be highlighting races for which due to the voter base the seat could be won by either the Democratic or Republican candidate. Candidate’s website and professional information is listed when available, in addition to a portion of endorsements (when applicable).

District Overview
The 70th House District includes Montcalm County and a portion of Gratiot County. The district carries a 56% Republican base.

Commentary
Representative Rick Outman is serving his third and final term in office, leaving this seat open. He has given his endorsement to the Republican candidate, James Lower. Despite the GOP base, in 2010 the district was represented by a Democratic legislator. However, in 2014 Representative Outman won 61% of the vote. This seat would be a tough one for the Democratic candidate to win in November and isn’t on the Democratic party’s most “targeted seats” lists, but a seat to watch if a Democratic wave hits the state.

Democratic Candidate:

Ken Hart – Retired corrections officer.

Republican Candidate:

James Lower – Former legislative staffer, campaign manager, former Ionia County Commissioner.
- General Endorsements – Michigan Restaurant Association, National Federation of Independent Business – Michigan, Property Management Association of Michigan.
- Primary Endorsements – Michigan Realtors Association, Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Green Candidate:

Michael Anderson

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