Snyder selects Calley as lieutenant governor candidate

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Republican gubernatorial candidate and Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder announced Wednesday that state Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland, will join him on the November general ballot as his running mate candidate for lieutenant governor.

Snyder’s selection was leaked Tuesday and announced Wednesday afternoon at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Calley, an MSU alumnus, was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2006, and is serving his second term. Prior to his years in legislature, he worked in banking and served on the Ionia County Board of Commissioners.

Before joining Snyder’s campaign, Calley was the Republican candidate for the 33rd district of the state Senate, which includes Montcalm, Ionia and Clinton Counties. He will have to suspend this bid.

Snyder chose Calley as his running mate because he wanted someone who would work hard with both Republicans and Democrats to fix the state’s problems, Snyder’s spokesman Bill Nowling said.

“(Snyder) wants someone who has experience and can really be a partner in Lansing and help (Snyder) implement his agenda to reinvent Michigan,” Nowling said. “He’s not interested in someone who can serve in just a ceremonial role.”

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