State Rep. Dillon enters gov. race

Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, added his name to a growing list of Democratic gubernatorial candidates Sunday.

Dillon, 48, announced official candidacy for the Democratic nomination at Detroit Diesel, an automotive manufacturer in Redford, emphasizing the importance of job creation.

“The next governor must have a plan for how we get there and a track record of getting things done,” he said in a statement.

“It’s not about management versus labor. It’s not about Detroit versus the rest of the state. It’s about moving our entire state forward.”

The stop in Redford was the first of a statewide tour to Grand Rapids, Detroit and Lansing.

Dillon is scheduled to be at Lansing Community College’s West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, at 11 a.m. Monday.

Dillon is serving his third term in the Michigan House and his second term as House Speaker.

Dillon is an attorney, former president of Detroit Steel Co. and former vice-president of GE Capital.

Also seeking the Democratic nod for Michigan governor are Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, D-Salem Township, and former Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee.