It's an honor to be chosen as the lieutenant governor running mate for Democratic gubernatorial nominee Attorney General Jennifer Granholm. Her commitment to protecting our families and educating our children ensures that positive changes will help our working families when we take office in January.

Your early support of Jennifer Granholm for Governor and your continued support today will help us take back this state. And, I personally appreciate the support you have shown me over the past 20 years of my legislative career.

While the Republicans in Lansing have talked about helping working families, they have attacked and weakened our collective strength.

• They have reduced the number of MIOSHA inspectors in the field.
• They have made it more difficult for union members to financially support political activities.
• They fought against increasing the minimum wage and unemployment benefits.
• They have proposed "profitizing" Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, resulting in higher health care premiums for our working families.

Jennifer Granholm and I are committed to protecting your economic security. We will bring new high-tech, high-wage jobs to Michigan and ensure workers receive the training they need. We will protect your health care by keeping Blue Cross non-profit and lower prescription drug costs.

We will also make educating our children a top priority by expanding early childhood education programs, raising standards, and reducing class size.

The Engler-Posthumus Administration's elimination of the Department of Labor did a disservice to working men and women. A Granholm-Cherry Administration will restore the Department of Labor and streamline state services to ensure both workers and employers are treated fairly - creating a state government that is lean, but not mean.

Our opponents know that we have a strong message, and they are countering it with misinformation about Jennifer Granholm. For instance, they are telling you that she does not support Second Amendment rights and the right to hunt. We support the right of sportsmen and women to keep firearms for:

• Home and business protection
• Hunting
• Target practice
• Collection
• OR ANY OTHER REASON.

We will advocate for programs that educate gun owners about responsible usage and keeping firearms out of the reach of children. And, we will zealously enforce existing gun laws. The bottom line - we support your Second Amendment rights - don't let the Republicans tell you otherwise.

Jennifer Granholm and I are excited about taking this state back for the working families of Michigan. With your help this fall, we will do just that.