Many of Michigan’s fastest-growing communities are located in its 3rd Congressional District, which contains the cities of Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Wyoming. The district is currently represented by two-term Rep. Hillary Scholten, who is unopposed in the Democratic primary.
This district is noted for its strong civic leadership, with a business community that has committed its dollars and energy to job-creating developments and improving the region’s quality of life. It needs a partner in Congress who respects its desire to offer local solutions to local problems.
Two Republicans are hoping to fill that role: Ryan Cushman and Terri DeBoer. Both are highly qualified to represent this district. Either one, if nominated, would have the ability to flip an area once represented by President Gerald Ford back into its traditional place in the mainstream of the Republican Party.
Ryan Cushman is a Michigan National Guard veteran and now owns a health care billing agency. He would make driving down the cost of health care his mission in Congress.
The father of five lives in Grand Rapids and says, “Congress needs more younger people with families” to better connect with constituents. He is suspicious of the influence of billionaires on the political process and is “99%” self-funding his campaign.
He would also support diminishing all foreign aid.
Terri DeBoer is a local Grand Rapids celebrity, having spent more than 30 years as a meteorologist on local television stations.
She is a strong advocate for decreasing the role Washington plays in the daily lives of Americans and would return considerable control of government to local communities.
She calls for a return to conservative values, particularly fiscal discipline.
Of two very fine candidates, Terri DeBoer is impressive for her enthusiasm and deep love for the community. She is our choice in the 3rd District Republican primary.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Our primary pick seeks to return the 3rd Congressional District to its GOP roots
Reporting by The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
