By Matthew Dolan
Two days after his ballot initiative to raise taxes lost
decisively, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said late Thursday he doesn't
plan to run for president in 2016.
Early Tuesday, in an interview before the votes had been
counted, Mr. Snyder sounded a much more optimistic note about the
possibility of a 2016 campaign, saying it would likely be several
weeks before he decided whether to join a crowded Republican
field.
He said at the time he saw an opening for a candidate with his
track record and planned nationwide speaking stops promoting his
accomplishments. But his campaign would have likely been far behind
well-funded and organized rivals. Mr. Snyder was also not
well-known among many voters in states with early primaries.
Mr. Snyder won re-election last year after helping to shore up
Michigan's economy and guiding its largest city, Detroit, in and
out of bankruptcy court.
A former president of Gateway Inc. and an ex-venture capitalist,
Mr. Snyder has often criticized the pace of action in Washington
and touted his own brand of problem solving.
But two-term GOP governor suffered a political setback on
Tuesday when his bipartisan road-funding referendum failed
dramatically, with only 20% of voters supporting the measure. The
complicated effort aimed to raise $2.1 billion to fix roads via a
sales-tax increase while also spending more on education and
low-income tax relief. Mr. Snyder had said he would now consider
alternative action after the measure was defeated Tuesday.
"I do not have plans to run for president in 2016. I will focus
my attention on continuing Michigan's reinvention," he said in a
statement Thursday.
"While too much of our political system is focused on partisan
fights, Michigan has been using what I call "Relentless Positive
Action" to solve problems. Michigan's comeback is the blueprint for
job creation, balanced and drama-free budgets and effective,
efficient, accountable government," he said.
Write to Matthew Dolan at matthew.dolan@wsj.com
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