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 101^st House District is located in the northern lower peninsula.  It includes the counties of Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, and Mason.  The district has a 53% Republican base.

Commentary

Representative Ray Franz (R-Onekama) is serving his third and final term in office, leaving this seat open in November.  Former State Representative Dan Scripps is running again, after losing in the 2010 general election to Representative Franz.  The district gives a slight edge to the Republican candidate, however it tends to follow national trends making it a seat to watch this November.

Democratic Candidate:

• Dan Scripps – Former state representative, energy attorney.
  • General Endorsement – Michigan AFL-CIO.
  • Primary Endorsements – Sierra Club of Michigan, Michigan Nurses Association, Michigan Education Association, United Auto Workers, Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union.

Republican Candidate:

• Curt VanderWall – Chair of the Mason County Board of Commissioners, small business owner.
  • General Endorsements – National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan, Property Management Association of Michigan.
  • Primary Endorsements –  Michigan Realtors Association, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Freedom Network.

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