Mark Ouimet raises $230K to Gretchen Driskell's $65K in local state House race
State Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township, leads the way in fundraising among local state House candidates with more than $230,000 in donations received this election cycle.
In addition, Ouimet reported more than $30,000 in in-kind contributions in new campaign finance statements that were due Friday.
He has spent more than $155,000, and has about $114,000 in cash on hand as he prepares to defend his seat against Democratic challenger Gretchen Driskell in November.
Mark Ouimet
She filed a late contribution report on Friday noting another $2,000 donation came from the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters PAC.
Ann Arbor resident Adam Zemke, a Democrat seeking the open 55th District seat being vacated by Republican Rick Olson, has raised nearly $37,000 and spent about $23,300.
He has more than $13,600 in cash on hand as he goes up against Pittsfield Township Democrat Andrea Brown Harrison in the Aug. 7 primary.
Harrison has raised a little more than $1,500, plus about $170 in in-kind contributions. She has spent a little more than $1,200.
The winner of the primary goes on to face Republican Owen Diaz. His latest report didn't include any itemized contributions or expenditures, only a $4,000 debt owed.
In the 53rd District race, state Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, has raised about $18,700 and spent $12,400. He has nearly $16,000 in cash on hand.
Ann Arbor Democrat Thomas Partridge is waging a long-shot campaign to oust Irwin. He filed a waiver indicating he does not plan to raise or spend more than $1,000.
The winner of the primary goes on to face Republican John Spisak in November. Spisak also filed a waiver indicating he does not plan to raise or spend more than $1,000.
In the 54th District race, state Rep. David Rutledge, D-Superior Township, reported raising nearly $26,000 and spending about $18,600.
He has about $9,300 in cash on hand as he looks ahead to the November election where he faces long-shot Republican candidate Bill Emmerich. The GOP challenger filed a waiver indicating he does not plan to raise or spend more than $1,000.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
bobslowson
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
I don't care how much money he raised...I would never vote for a guy who panders to right wing nut bags..
shepard145
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
I'm sure all of your "public service" qualifies you to evaluate his. Just another hater who should much more time reading and much less writing.
nickcarraweigh
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 11:15 p.m.
A modest man with much to be modest about, Ouimet has been seen to set new standards of mediocrity throughout his working life. His public service record stands alone as living proof of the power of a well-chosen barber and good shoe hygiene.
Greggy_D
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.
I always find it hilarious that candidates spend exponential amounts on their campaign vs. the salary they will make in the position.
shepard145
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 10:07 p.m.
Sounds like Mark lost out on a real privilege meeting you! LOL NOT. ...and by the way, a member of the Tea Party is much different then the slang term you used, which describes something democrats do to a stranger behind the bowling alley in their rusted out custom van. Hate on!!
Sparty
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 3:16 a.m.
Another Republucan trying to buy an elected office. Sound familiar? Mitt the Twit ?
Genboy
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 12:01 a.m.
This is so misleading. Ouimet "raised" all this money by contributing more than half himself. Rich. Republican. Party line.
Huron74
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
More skunk juice from the angry bitter Dems? Put up a better candidate and maybe you'll win. Between Driskell and Ouimet I wish they could both lose. Two wannabe hacks from the Tweedle Dee/Tweedle Dum parties as far as I can see.
David Cahill
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
Sorry, but the banning of the two women legislators was a violation of the rules of the House, and therefore illegal and improper. The leadership does not have the authority to ban anyone from speaking on a day following a supposed breach of order. The rules of the House are available online. I suggest reading them. Also, the comments of Rep. Brown were not even disorderly. They were perfectly appropriate and relevant to the debate over the Republicans' anti-choice legislation.
Basic Bob
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.
If Brown said that at my workplace, it would be considered sexual harassment. IMO, it was funny but completely unprofessional. Lose one turn.
shepard145
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
Same kind of logic that leads folks claim they don't have to pay taxes. Maybe you should study how the legislator actually works rather then assuming it's written down in a list of rules. Good luck with that. ...must be a good obama material - loyal to the END.
spaceman
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
We met Mark recently. He has made his mark in Lansing. He has our support for re-election.
52ndGirl
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
ScioIndy has a point - Does the western half of Washtenaw county want to be run by the likes of Jeff Irwin, Rebekkah Warren and the Western Washtenaw County Democrats? If Driskell were to win (quite a big If, but just if), she would be nothing more that a mouth piece for the liberals in Ann Arbor. I believe that would be very worrisome for cities in the district (Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, etc., etc., etc.) Mark Ouimet should continue to represent the 52nd District.
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:23 p.m.
So you define a completely legal and proper 1 day censorship of two women who humiliated themselves in the House as a "PROBLEM" FOR YOU? LOL Really? ...then you must really hate obama! Amusing you support these women regardless of their pathetic and sophmorish communication skills, yet you have a problem with Bolger? Selective outrage on full display today! LOL
David Cahill
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
Ouimet has more problems than the ones that have been mentioned. Did he protest when the House Republicans illegally banned two female representatives from speaking on anti-choice legislation? Does he still support Speaker Jase Bolger, after Bolger was caught trying to get a phony Democrat to run in a House race and condemned by a Republican prosecutor?
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.
So following your "logic", you and other democrats will enjoy your golden opportunity to fully support tremendous business success Romney for President!! What a privilege for you!! ...concurrently, you will bask in turning away utter failure obama!! AA voters have so much to look forward to in November! ...and don't be shy about apologizing to your neighbors if you voted for obama in 08. With regard to Lansing, it seems such wisdom fails in AA as voters elect one laughing stock after another to represent them. True, they are often saddled with socialist democrat dogma, which we all know is a complete loser, but you'd expect AA to at least attempt some of the same analytical noodle work to THEIR OWN ELECTIONS rather then worry quite so much about successful candidates elsewhere. ...perhaps you're all just jealous of the judgment shown by surrounding voter communities? Why don't we go make a nice herbal tea, flop down in our beanbag chair, kick off the Birkenstocks and figure out where we went wrong over the last few generations….
shepard145
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
So you believe yourself surpemely "educated" by bumper stickers, the leftist socialist democrat press and obama himself. ...mabye a little Michael Moore. ..and you believe every word of it. Good luck with alllll that - just keep your foil hat screwed on good and tight. We only teach the teachable and save the saveable.
mixmaster
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
I bet that you don't have a $100 million IRA like Romney does. I bet that you couldn't afford a boatload of slick tax attorneys to keep him from paying his full share of taxes. When will you people realize that you're being taken for a ride by the Tea Party, Karl Rove, the Koch brothers, and the rest of the Republican clowns?
mixmaster
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
Romney's "success" is in outsourcing and turning a profit for the execs at Bain. He's not a job creator. He's a profit making machine for his 1%er buddies. The only jobs he knows how to create here at home are short term, low paying, dead end, no benefit jobs and many of those are at risk of lay off and overseas outsorucing . And that's so the US worker can compete with Chinese workers! What do you have to say about his 14% tax rate? His many mansions, offshore investments, Swiss bank accounts? Tea Partiers are simplistic dupes blind to the establishment that curries their support while stabbing them in the back.
mr_annarbor
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
Unfortunately, I cannot vote against Ouimet. The only reason he got into politics is that he failed to pull the wool over the University Bank directors' eyes, and they got rid of him. I guess it's a lot easier to fleece the voting public.
Tom Wieder
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:59 p.m.
These gross numbers are somewhat misleading about the "people support" for the two candidates. Of Ouimet's $260,000, about $87,000 came from his own pocket. In addition, a very large percentage of his contributions from others came from corporate and business PACs, with a heavy concentration of real estate and development interests. As an incumbent, Ouimet had a head-start in fundraising, but in the most recent reporting period, Driskell actually received 435 contributions compared to Ouimet's 394 (including many separately-reported ones from himself). Finally, in the cash-on-hand category, Ouimet's edge is just $49,000, compared to his $195,000 receipts edge. Past election results show that this district only has a 3-4% GOP edge. In a good Democratic year, such as this Presidential year, with Obama very strong in Washtenaw, this should be a real race to the finish.
samseaborn
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:06 p.m.
Way to go Mark! We are so lucky to have you representing us
A2democrat
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3 p.m.
It seems to me that the people have spoken and they want more Mark. Under Ouimet, michgan has started to make a comeback and despite what the MEA wants you to believe Mark is a fervent supporter of education. I look forward to casting my ballot for Mark again in November. The only Republican I will be voting for
mixmaster
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
Could it be that Ouimet just happened to be around as the economy slowly picks up and he was lucky enough to be an incumbent at the time? I really don't think that Mr Ouimet had much to do with it. He's kind of quiet unless it involves getting his picture taken.
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2 p.m.
Yes, Michigan suffered terribly under the disastrous past policies. TIME TO CONTINUE FORWARD, and not retreat to the failed policies of the past democrat hacks. Unlike the Kennedy years, this generation of the democrat party is not capable of governing - they are extreme activists to be pushed to the margins and complaining about the doers of producers of society. This failed generation of that failing party deserves our pity and prayers, for they know not the damage they do to the country.
bhall
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
Oh dear. Somebody needs a hug!
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
I hope everyone enjoyed the reference to obama's nonsensical campaign as the Foodstamp President begs US voters to sign him up for 4 more years of utter failure. …this must be déjà vu for Granholm supporters.
mixmaster
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed today?
ScioIndy
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
As an independent voter, I can't imagine even beginning to consider Driskoll in the 52nd seat; you can tell what her plan for our state would be by the people who strongly support her - the ultra left in Ann Arbor - that is not what The 52nd District needs; we can not go backwards - I will support Mark Ouimet ,who has chosen to help make this state great again.
snoopdog
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Gretchen is nothing more than a hack for public sector unions, a one dimensional wonder. Cannot wait till november and see the results. Predicting a landslide win for Mark ! Good Day
52ndGirl
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
I am very glad Mark continues to get broad based support and is able to rasie the money he needs to run is campaign; Mark has made the difficult decisions that needed to be made in order to turn this state around. Mark is everywhere, supporting the community he represents. He will have my vote this fall!
Lac Court Orilles
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
Ouimet taxed senior citizens' fixed pensions so his wealthy business supporters could receive an 85% tax cut. Mark Ouimet is just being paid back by his wealthy supporters for their "free gift". Does anyone out there even think Mark Ouimet was even sensitive about taking part of your pension? Does anyone out there think Mark Ouimet even gave it a second thought about spending "your" money when he charged the county for numerous and questionable trips to attend alleged seminars when he was a Washtenaw County Commissioner? I get sick at my stomach when I see him in his designer haircut and expensive clothes that I cannot afford because he took part of my fixed income.
Aquarius
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
Right On! This guy represents the few at the expense of the many.
Townie
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
Comparing a hard working mayor to a political hack is a bit lopsided. The opposite of what the funds story indicates.
mixmaster
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
Don't all you ultra conservatives believe that politicians should be part time? And she has a day job. What do you have against working people?
Basic Bob
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
She's a part-time mayor and a full-time real estate agent. Get it straight.
Robert Gordon
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
Mark likes to describe himself as a moderate voice. A look at his voting record shows he has the same contempt for the environment, education, poor people, and families, that most Republicans have, and he has not shown any interest in breaking from his party on any legislation. Welcome to the campaign Gretchen, and you have my support,
xmo
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
It is really too bad that Republicans do not have much of a choice in the 52nd District. . Mark Ouimet is more of a Progressive Democrat than he is a Republican. The guy who says that Mark Ouimet with the "Tea Party" must be only a casual observer of Local Politics. I only wish that Mark Ouimet had a strong principles and was with the "Tea Party"
mixmaster
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
Despite all your middle of the road, so called moderate positions, to the contrary you have now revealed your true politics. The Tea Party
Susie Q
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
xmo: You must be following Mr Ouimet's voting record. He may have campaigned as a moderate Republican (or as you call him a "Progressive Democrat"; but he has voted with the far right of his party all the time since he was elected. You do have a tea party-type representing you.
Carole
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.
This is the second article written about "how much funding" candidates have gathered for their election. What I really would like to know more about is "where do these candidates stand" on various issues related to the citizens. As for the presidential funding, I think they should take it all and apply it to the US deficit. It surely would put a dent in it.
shepard145
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.
So you are oblivious to what happens when a newspaper hires leftist socialist democrat operatives who view every story they write as an opportunity to forward their work for the democrat party? Did you expect that rational, educated, mature, lucid readers would put up with that.....or would they find something else to read? LOL Who the AAN "endorsed" is irrelevant when compared to their daily corruption. As with many failed newspapers, the AAN basic error was to assume that we readers were looking to them for leadership on issues rather then simple information. They should have had a big group meeting and all reminded each other of the meaning of "reporter". If we want their opinion about an issue - we'll ask. The Democratic Party gave up that title after a specific event during President George W. Bush's first term (or last qualified President). Google away. The proper expression is now the "democrat party" until they prove otherwise.
bhall
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:12 p.m.
And by the way Shep, there's no such thing as the "democrat party."
bhall
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
Oh please. Being too liberal is NOT what killed the old Ann Arbor News. The paper endorsed Bush -- twice. Its editorial stance had nothing to do with the loss of classified advertising, growth of direct mail, migration to online platforms that still don't make money, and the area's increasing reliance on chain and big-box stores that don't need a local paper to get their products out.
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
You will not see that here. Ryan is the local democrat campaign operative posing as a reporter. When a Republican political candidate is far ahead of his opponent, the only negative he can come up with is to talk about money and avoid the source of his success, the issues. Of course this kind of corrupt bias is one of the key elements that caused readers to avoid the AA News as this generation of democrat operative "reporters" killed it after 135 years.
outdoor6709
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
since the supreme court has decided the congress can tax inactivity as well as activity, I think all campaign contributions should be taxed as ordinary income and the revenue used to pay down the debt.
maestra27
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:05 a.m.
Looks like Ouimet has been up to the same unethical / illegal activity as his Republican colleagues: http://eclectablog.com/2012/07/progress-michigan-to-file-complaint-against-gop-rep-ouimet-for-campaigning-with-house-resources-driskell-calls-for-him-renounce-bolger.html
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:28 a.m.
The irrational haters are really stewing tonight! Not out spending your free obama-bucks? LOL Luckily all those writing from the peoples republic of Ann Arbor have nothing to say about this election but we're still amused at your imaginary problems, conspiracies and other impotent babblings. Always laughable to see those voting for a community organizer for president of the United States have all kinds of problems with the "qualifications" of Republicans even as they put the state back together after 8 years of democrat union pandering and general hackery. …shovel ready change you can believe in!! LOL Do you Kool Aid drikers even know the name of the well known laughing stock who "represents" Ann Arbor is still flailing away trying to get constitutional protection for nursing mothers in restaurants! LOL ...change you an believe in!!
shepard145
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
..yea, those guys are just a laugh riot.
bhall
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.
@shep, The difference is those comedians have a sense of humor. You just seem angry.
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
Lets cross reference decorum with your heroes Mike Moore, funnymen Al Frankin and Bill Marr. Selective outrage syndrome? LOL
mixmaster
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
Did you check to see if you left out any derogatory words or phrases to describe people who differ with you politically?
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
Yea, I make a lot of typos. ...how about you continue to avoid the real point and follow me a around as my copy boy.
tom swift jr.
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:28 a.m.
What is a "Kool Aid driker"? I'm also not sure what you mean when you say "change you an believe in!!"
Susie Q
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.
Mark Ouimet has not been a great rep unless you believe in every extreme thing that the current Republicans in the House have passed. While he may have voted for tax reforms that will benefit business and something that he claims helps townships; he has also voted for increased taxes on seniors, voted to further marginalize and discriminate against gay people, voted to raid the K-12 School Aid Fund for the first time to pay for higher education, voted to disenfranchise poor and elderly with bogus voter ID laws, voted to obstruct women's access to reproductive health care, etc, etc. As far as being on-site after the Dexter tornadoes......so what....he lives very near Dexter; I am sure there were lots of folks who showed up after the tornadoes to offer their help. Gretchen Driskell will get my vote. I suspect that much of Mark's war chest comes from Mark's bank account.
Aquarius
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
You are spot on. He is nothing more than a 1%er working to enrich the bank accounts of his crony capitalist benefactors. He has no interest in representing the people of his district and anyone who drinks his koolaid will pay the price for getting lulled into submission by his republican talking points.
Michigan Man
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:15 a.m.
Susie Q - Wrong again. Mark,believe it or not, married up. His wife is a well respected, high quality physician in Ann Arbor. She does pretty well, financially speaking, for the Ouimet family.
Tom Wieder
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.
@Roadman - Mark Ouimet was never President of Great Lakes Bank, although he once claimed to have been so in a debate and tried to suggest that he had been when he was running in 2010. The only bank he was ever president of was University Bank, from which he was fired after about 2 years of poor performance.
NoSUVforMe
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:11 a.m.
Like most Republicans, Ouimet struggles with telling the truth. What about his petty theft of funds for attending meetings?
beeswing
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:39 a.m.
Mark Ouimet voted to cut $1 billion from k-12 education, he voted to raise taxes on seniors by $350 million by making pensions and retirement income taxable for the first time ever. He is not my guy.
NoSUVforMe
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
Ouimet is a Tea Party guy. He is part of the local Tea Party's War on Women, working people, and the Environment. He's done enough damage. Oust him and send him on his way.
NoSUVforMe
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
Ouimet is a Tea Party extremist, no doubt. Your comment simply says that the ULtra Extremists are looking for looking for an anarchist willing to torch government, as opposed to Ouimet who is exploiting big money interests for personal gain. Where do you think these campaign contributions came from? A bake sale? Money, greed, and the GOP.
Chase Ingersoll
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
Spoken like someone who has never been to a Tea Party. Most of them were grumbling about how there was no-one to run against Ouimet in the primary.
Kima Greggs
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:19 a.m.
These are all so lopsided - the lack of parity is unfortunate, wish we had some competitive races.
shepard145
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
Michigan is lucky to have Mark. He clearly cares deeply for the people of Michigan and works very hard. I don't agree with him on every postition he's taking but that's fine - he's still doing a great job.
Michigan Man
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
Fine work by Ouimet. Mark off and running well. My condolences to the woman from Saline who is opposing Mark. She must be quite pissed off at the local democrats for forcing her to run against Mark and just get embarassed, crushed and humiliated. Have been so busy racing toward the 1% status, have not even had time to cut a check to the Ouimet campaign. WIll get to that this weekend. Really great to have Mark working with us in and around Ann Arbor.
Roadman
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 12:15 a.m.
Mark Ouimet, the former president of Great Lakes Bank with service as a SPARK executive committee member, has done a great job since being elected to the State House. His advocacy for the townships won him an award. Several legislative bills relating to budget matters that he has introduced have been signed into law by the governor. Representative Ouimet was present onsite when the recent adverse weather struck in Dexter leaving many homeless. He has proven his commitment to his constituents. He also has had an outstanding legilative staff. Mark Ouimet has shown himself to be an effective and influential advocate for local residents. We need his continued presence in Lansing.
Townie
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
Let's see: How well did the bank do? I thought it lost a lot of money under him? SPARK - an unaccountable, untransparent agency that uses public money but refuses to disclose its audits, produces fictional job creation numbers. How about when he was with Washtenaw County -- a disaster and he cheated with our money there. Some quals.