NEPO BABY

He’s an Army captain and a paratrooper. His dad was a state senator, has been the revered Oakland County Sheriff since 1999, and was a candidate who had two failed statewide campaigns, one for senator (2006), losing to Senator Debbie Stabenow, the other for governor (2010), losing in the primary to Rick Snyder, so Michael Bouchard, the son, presumably understands the gamble. His latest move is one that definitely carries a lot of risk – announcing a run for Congress, 10th District, to fill the shoes of Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township), who is running for the Republican nod for governor after a mere two terms. Bouchard the younger grew up in Birmingham, attended Brother Rice High School and is a graduate of Michigan State University’s ROTC program. He served in both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, including missions to the Southern Border and Iraq. He previously served as Chief Operations Officer for a 1,200-soldier infantry battalion in the Michigan Army National Guard and, most recently as a member of a joint task force in the global fight against ISIS, earned the Bronze Star for his leadership. His candidacy had been rumored for months, as Republicans have sought a “name” to try to keep the seat from flipping. The question is – will Macomb voters recognize “Bouchard” as part of a political dynasty or as an inexperienced carpetbagger? Currently, primary voters will have a basketful of names to choose from on both sides of the aisle – with Republican Robert Lulgjuraj, an attorney in the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, and special victims prosecutor Christina Hines and former Pontiac mayor Tim Greimel both seeking – among others – the Democratic nod for this district. Punchbowl recently pointed out that no Democratic candidate raised more than $270,000 last quarter, while The Detroit News opinion page asked how Republicans can hold the open district without James on the ballot. Bouchard, who just got back to Michigan after serving abroad, has said security is his number one priority, along with housing affordability.

Michael Bouchard