NOT SO GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Michigan legislature candidate, and longtime fixture in Oakland County Republican politics, Dave Potts of Birmingham held his first fundraiser in October – and a small number of attendees came out to support their buddy. Potts is running for the 40th District seat, which includes Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and part of West Bloomfield. He raised just $1,750 from six persons at the October 17 event, according to campaign finance data. The event was held at the Birmingham Athletic Club, where Potts is a member, according to the "community involvement" section of his campaign website, which includes memberships to other private clubs, including the Detroit Racquet Club, his church and college fraternity. Potts said on social media that he doesn't anticipate a challenger in next year's August primary; even so, he will likely need more cash on hand than the $4,850 he had at the end of October to compete with Democratic incumbent Rep. Mari Manoogian, who reported having about $51,095 cash on-hand. Whether Potts, a practicing attorney and former county commissioner whose early political work dates back to former Governor George Romney's days in office, can tap party allies for support remains to be seen.