GAME OVER

As we all know, one week before the storied bipartisan Mackinac Policy Conference in late May, former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced he was dropping his run as an independent candidate for governor in November. The question that has continued to circulate is why do it right before the Mackinac conference, which is sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber – which had endorsed Duggan early on. Despite rumors of a possible affair coming to light or a lucrative promised job, all sources point to one factor – lack of funds to feasibly go forward. While it was no surprise large sums were going to be spent by the Democratic and Republican party apparatus, Duggan learned that tech and financial titans on both coasts would not take the risk on his campaign. Despite very positive early polling, more recent polling indicate voters were coalescing behind traditional party candidates – Jocelyn Benson for Democrats, and John James, Mike Cox and Perry Johnson for Republican primary voters, narrowing the lane for Duggan. “Duggan’s running as an Independent was likely a mistake,” said Democratic strategist Joe DiSano, who said Duggan and his minions thought Benson would have been too fierce a Democratic primary competitor, especially as Democrats in 2024 were leaning more liberal than he was, leading him into the independent lane. “Benson may not have been as much of a threat as Duggan thought.” As for a possible position as president of University of Michigan? One source said he didn’t think Duggan would want that, while another said Duggan would not be “just handed the position, but if he’s interested, he’s definitely qualified and they’ll certainly talk to him,” noting Duggan has the business and health care business background, having successfully run the Detroit Medical Center before becoming Detroit’s head guy. “U-M’s health care system is a $12 billion health system out of a $15 billion U-M budget. It’s the fourth largest in the state. That’s huge. He doesn’t have a PhD or an academic background, but the academic institution is a smaller part today within a large university. Athletics are a huge business. It’s all business.”

John James

Mike Cox

Perry Johnson