KISSING THE RING

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel made news of his own at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference in the beginning of June, when he told reporters “there was a better than 50-50 chance that he would run for governor in 2018,” telling The Detroit News, “If I get in, I’m pretty sure I can win the Democratic primary.” That sentiment is not shared by other politicians, however, be they fellow Democrats or Republicans across the aisle. “I don’t know if he will (run), but I’m not hearing positives,” said one Republican. “I don’t think that’s happening,” said an Oakland County Democrat, laughing off the speculation. “Hackel likes to hear his name. He just wanted to have the proverbial ring kissed (at Mackinac).” The Democrat also doesn’t believe Hackel would have a lot of traction in the primaries, and lacks statewide name recognition. “I don’t think he’d have a prayer of getting out of the Democratic primary. He’s not a viable candidate outside of Macomb County.” He’s putting his money on attorney Mark Bernstein, who has yet to announce, but has said he is considering it. “Their family (Bernstein Law) runs ads all the time, statewide, on Tiger Baseball. They have crazy name recognition.” No word back by press time from Hackel.