Gov. Snyder Starts Hinting He May Not Run for Second Term

Gov. Rick Snyder caused another buzz this week, this time of a personal nature, when he announced he may well avoid seeking a second term. If he doesn't change his mind between now and the 2014 elections, he will be the first Michigan governor since John Swainson, who served in the 1960s, not to remain in office for at least two terms.

Swainson lost his bid for a second term to Republican challenger George Romney in his election. Snyder is flat-out saying he may not even run again, which is a bit different. He would be the only governor in recent memory to turn down the opportunity to even vie for a second term.

Here is some of what is being reported about Snyder and his possible reasons for refusing to run for a second term.

* Snyder first started repeating initial comments that he may not run for a second term a little more than a week ago, when he spoke at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, held on the island at the end of September.

* He stated at the time that the decision not to run for a second term would be predicated on the answers to what he considers two fundamental questions -- whether or not he accomplished his goals and whether or not in his view his agenda has set the state up for long-term success.

* Several of Snyder's personal goals and initiatives have already sailed through the state Legislature, aided by a large Republican majority.

* In a little less than a year, Snyder and state Republicans have managed to pass legislation that expanded the emergency financial manager law, abolished the Michigan Business Tax structure in favor of a flat rate, and instituted a tax on pensions. He still plans to pave the way for a new bridge from Michigan to Canada, open up what are touted as "schools of choice," and institute certain measures aimed at monitoring the health of the state's children.

* Snyder did not say that he absolutely would not run for reelection, just that he may accomplish enough of his goals that he won't feel it is necessary.

* Also influencing this decision may well be the low opinion that Michiganders have of their governor. Snyder's approval rating was hovering at 33 percent in polls released in the state in August, and many of his upcoming plans, including relaxing the restrictions on charter schools, are also extremely unpopular.

* Even if Snyder runs for a second term in office and wins, it will be his last. Michigan imposed a term-limit on the office during the governorship of Jennifer Granholm.

Vanessa Evans is a musician and freelance writer based in Michigan, with a lifelong interest in politics and public issues.