NORTHERN MICHIGAN — The news that Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Bellaire, will not seek a third term was barely out last week before blogs were buzzing with preliminary announcements about a pair of Republican candidates preparing campaigns for Elsenheimer’s 105th District seat.

Central Michigan University (CMU) student and Topinabee resident Dennis Lennox sent out a press release that was featured on a popular Michigan conservative blog following news of Elsenheimer’s decision. “News media will be a very important part of our campaign,” said Lennox. “It’s something that we are seeing is becoming crucial at all levels of politics.”

Norwood Township (Charlevoix County) Supervisor Tim Boyko set up his own blog, boyko4staterep.blogspot.com, to make his intentions clear last week. He said he will officially file paperwork April 7.

“I had been thinking about a countywide position for a long time, but Kevin’s move came at a perfect time. We had a frank talk and it was encouraging,” said Boyko.

Lennox has taken a leave of absence from pursuing his degree at CMU to dedicate his time to the campaign.

“I expect to graduate in the next semester. But I’m not looking at that now. I’m focused on the August primary because I believe I’m the right candidate,” he said.

Lennox said he expects to file paperwork with the state as early as Wednesday and plans to launch a Web site, www.dennis fornorthernmichigan.com, shortly.

“I’m developing a manifesto this week,” he said. “[The Web site] allows us to bypass the media and get information directly to the voters. It makes it easy for citizens to make an informed decision.”

With a wealth of campaign experience under his belt, including positions with campaigns for President George W. Bush in 2004, Congressman David Camp in 2005 and Mitt Romney earlier this year, Lennox gained recent notoriety following a public disagreement with CMU’s administration. But the Young Republican’s chairman for Michigan’s 1st District hopes to highlight his status as a fresh voice in Michigan politics.

“There is a need for a conservative change maker in Lansing,” he said. “I think it’s important for the next generation to have a voice. Why not bring someone new to the table?”

Boyko, on the other hand, has been active at the county level in a variety of roles for more than a decade. The former Hayes Township (Charlevoix County) supervisor took over the same position in Norwood Township last year.

“This is not just an opportune time for me. I have a history of government service and civic involvement. This is a maturation of that process,” he said.

A small business owner, Boyko said that although he is running as a Republican, there is a lot of diversity within the party.

“I’m not a big party guy. I’m an independent. There’s certain issues I back completely, and some I don’t back at all,” he said. “I’ve always run as a Republican because I’m sympathetic toward regulation and certain tax issues. I’m not using the party as a flag of convenience. In this election, people will be voting for the person, not a big party.”

Former Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall will be running against the winner of the Republican primary as a Democrat.

Contact Noah Fowle at 231-439-9374 or nfowle@petoskeynews.com.

• Visitor Comments

2 comment(s)