2008 Michigan elections
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A general election was held in the U.S. state of Michigan on November 4, 2008. The presidential primary was held on January 15. The state primary was held on August 5.[1]
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November 4, 2008
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Federal elections
Presidential primaries
The presidential primaries were held on January 15, 2008.[1] Hillary Clinton won the Democratic primary in Michigan, but Barack Obama won the primary nationally.[2] Mitt Romney won the Republican primary in Michigan, but John McCain won the primary nationally.[3][4]
Presidential general election
Democratic nominee Barack Obama won the presidential general election in Michigan, defeating Republican nominee John McCain.[5] All 17 of Michigan's electoral votes went to Obama.[6] Obama would also win the presidency nationally.[5]
U.S. Senate election
Incumbent Democrat Carl Levin was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.[7]
U.S. House of Representatives election
Two incumbent Republicans were defeated, resulting in 8 Democratic members of the U.S. House and 7 Republicans.[8]
State elections
State House of Representative election
The Democrats win a greater lead in the state House, resulting in a 67–43 majority over the Republicans.[9]
State Supreme Court election
Incumbent Republican chief justice Clifford Taylor sought re-election on November 4, 2008.[8] While Michigan State Supreme Court elections are officially nonpartisan, the candidates are permitted to be nominated at political party conventions.[10] Taylor was defeated by Democratic nominee Diane Hathaway.[8]
State Board of Education election
Incumbent Democrats Kathleen Straus and John Austin were re-elected, preserving the 6–2 majority the party held on the board.[11]
University of Michigan regents election
There were two seats up for election on University of Michigan board of regents on November 4, 2008. One Democratic incumbent, Larry Deitch, sought re-election. Another Democratic incumbent, Rebecca McGowan, did not seek re-election.[12] The election was won by Democrats Deitch and Denise Ilitch. This preserved the 6–2 majority the party held on the board.[13]
Michigan State University trustee election
In the November 4, 2008, general election, incumbent Michigan State University trustee Scott Romney sought re-election, while incumbent Democrat Dorothy V. Gonzales was not renominated at the party's convention.[14] Democrats Dianne Byrum and Diann Woodward won election, increasing the Democratic majority on the board to 6–2.[15]
Wayne State University governor election
In the November 4, 2008, general election, incumbent Democrat Paul Massaron sought re-election, while incumbent Democrat Jacquelin Washington decided not to seek re-election.[16] Democrats Massaron and Gary Pollard were elected, preserving the 7–1 Democratic majority on the board.[15]
State ballot proposals
Michigan approved two state ballot proposals on November 4, 2008. Proposal 1 was a legislative initiative to legalize medical marijuana in state law. Proposal 2 was a state constitutional amendment which lessened restrictions on stem cell research.[1][17]
Local elections
The following is an incomplete list of 2008 elections in notable localities.
Bay County executive election
Incumbent Bay County Executive Thomas L. Hickner, a Democrat, was re-elected unopposed.[18]
Oakland County executive election
Incumbent Republican Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson was re-elected.[19]