Ex-Gov. Rick Snyder (File photo)
Ex-Gov. Rick Snyder (File photo)
Some had written off ex-Gov. Rick Snyder after the Flint water crisis turned his political fortunes to dust. It also didn't help his standing in the Republican party when he shunned Donald Trump for president in 2016.
But slowly the state Republican party has embraced him, with one of the stronger signs of late being a press release on Sunday that announced he'll tour the state this week to rally support for Republican candidates for the state House.
The purpose of the tour, "Mission For Michigan: The Path to a Brighter Future," is "to engage Michiganders who are looking for pragmatic and effective leadership," the press release says.
The tour which began on Monday and runs through Friday includes stops in Roseville, Traverse City, Jackson, Utica, Troy, Rochester, Milan and Auburn Hills.
Pollster Ed Sarpolus, executive director of Target Insyght in Lansing, says having Snyder tour the state is a good idea for Republicans.
"He's the only leader they've got of any consequence that can go all over the state," he tells Deadline Detroit.
He said Donald Trump or J.D. Vance wouldn't be effective in all areas of the state, while Snyder might be.
As for the Flint water scandal, he says many people have forgotten about it, or remember very little.
Jeff Sakwa, former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, said Snyder has been a great asset to the party and has raised money for candidates.
During his tenure as governor, Sakwa said, he saved Detroit through the bankruptcy.
"I don't believe Mayor Duggan would have had the success he had without Rick Snyder taking the city through bankruptcy. It was a very courageous thing to do."
"Every decision he made, I'm confident was the best decision for the state of Michigan, not what's best for the Republican Party, not what's best for the Democrats. He's a good human being."
Last December, a judge formally dismissed misdemeanor charges against Snyder in the Flint water scandal and ordered police records and his booking photo to be destroyed. He had been charged with willful neglect of duty.
Snyder served as Michigan governor from 2011 to 2019.
