Update on the Mich. Attorney General's race

Published: October 18, 2010

Campaign pits David Leyton against Bill Scheutte, opponent of Michigan’s medical marijuana law

We’re now just two weeks away from Election Day, Tuesday, November 2. Michigan voters, who overwhelmingly approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act just two years ago, face a stark choice in the race for Attorney General. On the ballot will be Bill Schuette (R), the public face behind the 2008 campaign in opposition to the law. He’ll be running against Genessee County Prosecuting Attorney David Leyton (D), whose statements with respect to medical marijuana have been much more moderate than the vitriolic opposition from Schuette.

As an appellate court judge and spokesman for the dubiously named group “Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Kids,” Schuette penned op-eds full of scare tactics and misinformation designed to prevent Michigan voters from approving the law (in fact, he’s still at it). He failed, miserably. On Election Day 2008, 63% of Michigan voters – and a majority in all 83 counties – approved the act. Still, the worry is that if he becomes Attorney General, Schuette will be able to undermine the law through legal opinions and enforcement tactics designed to subvert the intent of voters who approved it.

By contrast, his opponent, Leyton, has said he respects the will of Michigan voters who approved the law. “The people have spoken,” he said when asked about the law at a recent debate. He did indicate that he would work to clarify the law as Attorney General. “Patients have to understand what their rights are, caregivers have to understand what their rights are, and law enforcement has to understand what it can do.”

Previous polls showed Schuette with a substantial lead, but internal polling reveals that the race has tightened as Leyton gains name recognition. With so much at stake, it’s vital that medical marijuana advocates get out and vote on November 2nd! To check the status of your registration or find your polling place, visit michigan.gov/vote.

And as always, thanks for all you do.