Perles plans to make bid for Mich. governor

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MSU Trustee George Perles said running a state is a lot like running a football team: It’s all about winning.

“The same thing goes — win, win, win, win,” Perles said.

Perles, a former MSU head football coach, is considering adding the role of governor to his résumé. In 2010, Perles said he’s serious about throwing his hat into the ring for Michigan’s gubernatorial race as the Democratic candidate.

At 74, Perles doesn’t think his age has any bearing on becoming governor.

“I’ve been through a lot, but I feel young,” he said. “And sometimes I act young.”

The Detroit native was elected to the MSU Board of Trustees in November 2006. He is the CEO and founder of the Motor City Bowl, which is held annually at Ford Field in Detroit. He spent time as an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers before leading MSU to its last Rose Bowl in 1988.

Fellow Trustee Colleen McNamara said she thinks Perles is qualified to run the state.

“He’s obviously a very smart man and has had a lot of experiences,” she said. “He’s been very engaged on the board.”

Perles said as founder of the Motor City Bowl, he has the knowledge and skills to create jobs in Michigan.

“We need to bring back the economy to the state of Michigan,” he said. “The way we do that is people having the opportunity to work, and companies investing in the state of Michigan.”

But Bill Ballenger, editor and publisher of Inside Michigan Politics, isn’t so sure about Perles’ credentials. Ballenger said the only support Perles should receive is from “his former offensive linemen.”

Ballenger also called Perles “a dreamer” and compared him to Flint Mayor Don Williamson, another Michiganian who plans to run for governor.

Ballenger said Perles’ experience on the Board of Trustees is not enough for him to lead the state.

“From what I understand, he’s having enough trouble keeping up to speed on the MSU Board of Trustees, let alone running the state of Michigan,” Ballenger said.

The likelihood of Perles being named the state’s governor is similar to “lightning striking twice in the same place,” Ballenger said.

The MSU athletics department declined to comment on Perles’ plans to run for governor.

Be it in football or politics, Perles said you have to stay focused to be successful.

“Find opportunities to win, and don’t let the shortcomings bother you,” he said. “Don’t let the boos hinder you.”

Staff writer Kelly House contributed to this report.

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