Leutheuser announces campaign for state rep

Home City News Leutheuser announces campaign for state rep

Eric Leutheuser began his campaign for Michigan state representative of the 58th district on Saturday, Feb.15, on the steps of the Hillsdale County Circuit Court.

The owner of local car dealership Leutheuser GMC has connections both to Hillsdale College and to the area itself: he and his wife Laura sent all three of their daughters (Anna, Clara, and Grace) to the college, and their family has local roots stretching back several generations.

Leutheuser said he chose to run because he thinks the area can do better.

“Michigan can be its best again if we work together and rebuild it on the solid foundations that made it great before. That means common­sense reforms, making sure government is accountable, taxes are low, families and hard work are valued,” he said. “It means good jobs, and good schools preparing our young people to be good citizens.”

He also said he thinks hope lies in area residents.

“I’m running to be our state representative because the states can show the way in rebuilding our nation. The people of Hillsdale and Branch Counties have common sense and know what’s right and wrong, and what should be done,” he said. “And they know that because the work is great, it will be worth the effort, and that the time to begin is now.”

The 58th district, encompassing areas in Hillsdale and Branch Counties, is currently represented by Representative Ken. Kurtz (R­Coldwater), who is term­limited out.

Leutheuser joins a crowded field that already includes at least two potential candidates with Hillsdale ties: Brad Benzing, (Hillsdale High School graduate and local business owner, who was the first to announce his candidacy back in August) and Rochelle Ray, as well as Tim Hart Haberl of Quincy, Stephen Besson of Litchfield, and Hal Nottingham of Quincy.

More candidates may emerge before the 4 p.m. April 22 filing deadline, by which time candidates must submit an Affidavit of Identity and a partisan nominating petition with at least 200 signatures.

The candidates who have filed successfully by that deadline will appear on a primary ballot on Aug.5; victorious nominees will then appear on the Nov.4 general election ballot, according to the Michigan Secretary of State. Those elected then will serve in the 98th Michigan Legislature, whose first session will begin on Jan. 7, 2015.