2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan

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2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan
Flag of Michigan.svg
  2006 November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04) 2010  

All 15 Michigan seats to the United States House of Representatives
 Majority partyMinority party
 
Party Democratic Republican
Last election69
Seats won87
Seat changeIncrease2.svg 2Decrease2.svg 2
Popular vote2,516,6402,114,293
Percentage52.31%43.95%
SwingDecrease2.svg 0.44%Decrease2.svg 0.61%

2008 House Michigan.svg
MI House 2008.svg

The 2008 congressional elections in Michigan were held on November 4, 2008, to determine who would represent the state of Michigan in the United States House of Representatives. Michigan had fifteen seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009, until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

Contents

The 7th and 9th district seats were considered to be competitive. Both seats were occupied by Republicans [1] who lost to Democratic opponents.

The makeup of the Michigan congressional delegation in 2008 consisted of nine Republicans and six Democrats. As a result of the 2008 election, the delegation in 2009/2010 consists of eight Democrats and seven Republicans. The two Democratic Party gains came in the 7th and 9th districts.

Overview

United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan, 2008 [2]
PartyVotesPercentageSeats+/–
Democratic 2,516,64052.31%8+2
Republican 2,114,29343.95%7-2
Libertarian 83,4241.73%0-
Green 66,1621.38%0-
U.S. Taxpayers 21,0570.44%0-
Independents9,1140.19%0
Totals4,810,690100.00%15

District 1

MI01 110.svg

Popular incumbent Bart Stupak was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Conservative state Representative Tom Casperson, from Escanaba, won the Republican primary election over Linda Goldthorpe and Don Hooper. [3] The Libertarian Party nominated Daniel Grow; the U.S. Taxpayers Party nominated Joshua Warren and the Green Party nominated Socialist Jean Treacy. [4] The 1st District is generally socially conservative and strongly pro-union. It covers the entire Upper Peninsula and the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, and is the largest congressional district east of the Mississippi River.

County Results
Stupak:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80% MI1 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Stupak:      50-60%     60-70%     70-80%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe DNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe DNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 1st congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Bart Stupak (inc.) 213,216 65.04
Republican Tom Casperson 107,34032.74
Green Jean Treacy2,6690.81
Libertarian Daniel W. Grow2,5330.77
Constitution Joshua J. Warren2,0700.63
Total votes327,836 100.00
Democratic hold

District 2

MI02 110.svg

Pete Hoekstra, a conservative incumbent and ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, was challenged by Democrat Fred Johnson, [10] Libertarian Dan Johnson (campaign website) and U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Ronald Graeser. The district is centered on Michigan's West Shoreline and includes the cities of Muskegon and Holland.

County Results
Hoekstra:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%
Johnson:      50-60% MI2 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Hoekstra:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Johnson:      50–60%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe RNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe RNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 2nd congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Pete Hoekstra (inc.) 214,100 62.36
Democratic Fred Johnson119,50634.81
Libertarian Dan Johnson5,4961.60
Constitution Ronald E. Graeser4,2001.22
Total votes343,309 100.00
Republican hold

District 3

MI03 110.svg

Incumbent Vern Ehlers was re-elected. The district trends Republican and is centered on Grand Rapids. Ehlers was challenged by Democrat Henry Sanchez and Libertarian Erwin Haas.

County Results
Ehlers:      60-70% MI3 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Ehlers:      60–70%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe RNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe RNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 3rd congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Vern Ehlers (inc.) 203,799 61.11
Democratic Henry Sanchez117,96135.37
Libertarian Erwin J. Haas11,7583.53
Total votes333,518 100.00
Republican hold

District 4

MI04 110.svg

Republican David Lee Camp was reelected. He was by challenged by Democrat Andrew Concannon, [11] Libertarian Allitta Hren, and U.S. Taxpayer Party candidate John Emerick. This large district stretches from Owosso in the east central part of the state to Traverse City to the extreme northwest part of the Lower Peninsula.

County Results
Camp:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80% MI4 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Camp:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe RNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe RNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 4th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Dave Camp (inc.) 204,259 61.94
Democratic Andrew D. Concannon117,66535.68
Constitution John Emerick4,0551.23
Libertarian Allitta Hren3,7851.15
Total votes329,764 100.00
Republican hold

District 5

MI05 110.svg

Democrat Dale Kildee ran for re-election in 2008. The Flint area congressman has served for over 30 years. His district (covering Flint, Saginaw, Bay City and part of the western part of The Thumb) is strongly Democratic. Petitions were circulated for Democratic state senator John Gleason to challenge Kildee, but Gleason decided not to run. [12] Kildee is challenged on by Republican candidate by Matt Sawicki of Bay City, Libertarian candidate Leonard Schwartz and Green Party candidate Ken Mathenia of Grand Blanc. [13]

County Results
Kildee:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80% MI5 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Kildee:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe DNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe DNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 5th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Dale Kildee (inc.) 221,841 70.36
Republican Matt Sawicki85,01726.96
Libertarian Leonard Schwartz4,2931.36
Green Ken Mathenia4,1441.31
Total votes315,295 100.00
Democratic hold

District 6

MI06 110.svg

Republican Fred Upton had three opponents, Democrat Don Cooney, Green Edward Pinkney and Libertarian Greg Merle. The sixth district covers the southwest corner of lower Michigan.

County Results
Upton:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80% MI6 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Upton:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe RNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe RNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 6th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Fred Upton (inc.) 188,157 58.86
Democratic Don Cooney 123,25738.56
Libertarian Greg Merle4,7201.48
Green Edward Pinkney3,5121.10
Total votes319,646 100.00
Republican hold

District 7

MI07 110.svg

The seventh district covers the middle part of southern lower Michigan. Republican incumbent Tim Walberg faced State Senate Minority Leader and Democratic nominee Mark Schauer, Libertarian Ken Proctor, Green Lynn Meadows and independent Sharon Reiner.

Walberg was elected in 2006 with a surprisingly thin 49.9% of the vote, despite outspending Democratic opponent Sharon Reiner 20:1. This made Walberg a top target for defeat in 2008 by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Schauer defeated Renier in the August 5 primary, [14] after which Renier ran in the general election as a write-in candidate with no party affiliation. [15]

County Results
Schauer:      40-50%      50-60%
Walberg:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70% MI7 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Schauer:      40–50%     50–60%
Walberg:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] TossupNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] TossupNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Lean D (flip)November 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] TossupNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] TossupNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 7th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Mark Schauer 157,213 48.78
Republican Tim Walberg (inc.)149,78146.47
Green Lynn Meadows9,5282.96
Libertarian Ken Proctor5,6751.76
Write-ins890.03
Total votes322,286 100.00
Democratic gain from Republican

District 8

MI08 110.svg

Incumbent Republican Mike Rogers was re-elected in 2006 with 55.3% of the vote compared to 42.9% for his Democratic opponent. East Lansing Democratic activist Bob Alexander (who lost in 2004 to Rogers) announced that he is running again. [16] Aaron Stuttman is running for the Green Party, [17] Will Tyler White for the Libertarian Party, [18] and George Zimmer for the U.S. Taxpayers Party. [19] This district stretches from the western Detroit suburbs to the Lansing area.

County Results
Rogers:      50-60%      60-70%
Alexander:      50-60% MI8 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Rogers:      50–60%     60–70%
Alexander:      50–60%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Likely RNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe RNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe RNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 8th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Mike Rogers (inc.) 204,408 56.53
Democratic Robert D. Alexander145,49140.23
Libertarian Will Tyler White4,3731.21
Green Aaron Stuttman3,8361.06
Constitution George M. Zimmer3,4990.97
Total votes361,607 100.00
Republican hold

District 9

MI09 110.svg

This district covers parts of Oakland County. Republican incumbent Joe Knollenberg was challenged by former Michigan Lottery commissioner and military veteran, Democratic nominee Gary Peters. Libertarian Adam Goodman, Green Party Douglas Campbell and Independent Dr. Jack Kevorkian were also running. Knollenberg was targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee after his surprisingly narrow margin of victory in the 2006 election, receiving 51.5% of the vote compared with 46.2% for his Democratic opponent.

County Results
Peters:      50-60% MI9 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Peters:      50–60%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] TossupNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Lean D (flip)November 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Lean D (flip)November 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] TossupNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Lean D (flip)November 6, 2008
Michigan's 9th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Gary Peters 183,311 52.08
Republican Joe Knollenberg (inc.)150,03542.63
Independent Jack Kevorkian 8,9872.55
Libertarian Adam Goodman4,8931.39
Green Douglas Campbell 4,7371.19
Total votes351,963 100.00
Democratic gain from Republican

District 10

MI10 110.svg

Republican incumbent Candice Miller was challenged by Democratic nominee Robert Denison, Libertarian Neil Kiernan Stephenson, and Green Candace Caveny. This district stretches from the northeast Detroit suburbs up to most of The Thumb.

County Results
Miller:      60-70%      70-80% MI10 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Miller:      60–70%     70–80%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe RNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe RNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 10th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Candice Miller (inc.) 230,471 66.30
Democratic Robert Denison108,35431.17
Libertarian Neil Stephenson4,6321.33
Green Candace R. Caveny4,1461.19
Total votes347,603 100.00
Republican hold

District 11

MI11 110.svg

Incumbent Republican Thad McCotter was challenged by Democrat Joseph Larkin who defeated Edward Kriewall in the August 5 party primary. [20] Also running were Libertarian John Tatar and Green Erik Shelley. This district covers part of Detroit's western suburbs.

County Results
McCotter:      50-60%
Larkin:      40-50% MI11 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
McCotter:      50–60%
Larkin:      40–50%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Likely RNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe RNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe RNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe RNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 11th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Thaddeus McCotter (inc.) 177,461 51.41
Democratic Joseph Larkin156,62445.37
Libertarian John J. Tatar6,0011.74
Green Erik Shelley5,0721.47
Write-ins230.01
Total votes345,182 100.00
Republican hold

District 12

MI12 110.svg

12-term Democrat Sander M. Levin was challenged by Republican Bert Copple, Libertarian John Vico, Green William J. O'Palicky and U.S. Taxpayers' Lester Townsend. This district covers part of Detroit's northern suburbs.

County Results
Levin:      60-70%      80-90% MI12 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Levin:      60–70%     80–90%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe DNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe DNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 12th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Sander Levin (inc.) 225,094 72.07
Republican Bert Copple74,56523.87
Libertarian John Vico4,7671.53
Constitution Les Townsend4,0761.30
Green William J. Opalicky3,8421.23
Total votes312,344 100.00
Democratic hold

District 13

MI13 110.svg

Incumbent Democrat Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick narrowly survived the August 5 party primary. She faced complications due to the legal troubles facing her son, Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. [21] [22] Cheeks Kilpatrick won with 39.1% of the vote over former state representative Mary Waters with 36% of the vote and state senator Martha Scott with 24.9% of the vote. [23] A televised debate between the three candidates developed into a shouting match. [24] Cheeks Kilpatrick faced Republican candidate Edward Gubics, Libertarian candidate Greg Creswell and Green Party candidate George Cosetti in the general election. [25] This district covers the east side of Detroit and its eastern and Downriver suburbs.

County Results
Kilpatrick:      70-80% MI13 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Kilpatrick:      70–80%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe DNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe DNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 13th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (inc.) 167,481 74.13
Republican Edward J. Gubics43,09819.08
Green George L. Corsetti9,5794.24
Libertarian Gregory Creswell 5,7642.55
Total votes225,922 100.00
Democratic hold

District 14

MI14 110.svg

Powerful incumbent Democrat John Conyers, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, had one Democratic opponent in the primary, Detroit pastor Rev. Horace Sheffield, [26] but Sheffield's campaign was short lived [27] because he withdrew his name and announced his support for Conyers. [28] Conyers faced Libertarian Rick Secula and Green Party Clyde Shabazz in the general election. This district covers the west side of Detroit and some inner western and downriver suburbs.

County Results
Conyers:      >90% MI14 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Conyers:      >90%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe DNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe DNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 13th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John Conyers (inc.) 227,841 92.40
Libertarian Richard J. Secula10,7324.35
Green Clyde K. Shabazz8,0153.25
Total votes246,588 100.00
Democratic hold

District 15

MI15 110.svg

55-year Congressional veteran Democrat John Dingell is the Dean of the House [29] and chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He was challenged by Republican Jack Lynch, Libertarian Gregory Scott Stempfle, Green Aimee Smith and U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate James Wagner. The 15th district includes Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Monroe, the downriver suburbs of Detroit and the semi-rural southeastern corner of Michigan.

County Results
Dingell:      60-70%      70-80% MI15 House 2008 Counties.svg
County Results
Dingell:      60–70%     70–80%

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [5] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Rothenberg [6] Safe DNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal Ball [7] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Real Clear Politics [8] Safe DNovember 7, 2008
CQ Politics [9] Safe DNovember 6, 2008
Michigan's 15th congressional district election, 2008
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John Dingell (inc.) 231,784 70.70
Republican John J. Lynch81,80224.95
Green Aimee Smith7,0822.16
Libertarian Gregory Stempfle4,0021.22
Constitution James H. Wagner3,1570.96
Total votes327,827 100.00
Democratic hold

References

  1. "CQ Politics | Primaries Set in Michigan, Dems Hope for Takeovers". Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
  2. 2008 Election Statistics
  3. "Michigan - chicagotribune.com". Chicago Tribune.
  4. "Jean Treacy for Congress (1st District - Michigan) - Home". Archived from the original on April 22, 2008. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "2008 Competitive House Race Chart". House: Race Ratings. The Cook Political Report. November 6, 2006. Archived from the original on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "2008 House Ratings". House Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. November 2, 2006. Archived from the original on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "2008 House". Sabato's Crystal Ball. November 6, 2008. Archived from the original on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Battle for the House of Representatives". realclearpolitics.com. Real Clear Politics. November 7, 2008. Archived from the original on December 17, 2008. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Race Ratings Chart: House". cqpolitics.com. Congressional Quarterly Inc. Archived from the original on November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  10. 2008 Official Michigan Primary Candidate Listing
  11. Campbell, Dick (March 22, 2008). "Saginaw Democrat enters House race". Argus-Press . Retrieved January 10, 2010.
  12. Sen. John Gleason bows out; Congressman Dale Kildee so far unchallenged - The Flint Journal Online News - Michigan Newspaper - MLive.com [ permanent dead link ]
  13. "Green Party member Ken Mathenia, Republican Matthew Sawicki and Libertarian Leonard Schwartz challenge incumbent Rep. Dale e. Kildee - the Flint Journal Online News - Michigan Newspaper - MLive.com". Archived from the original on October 22, 2008. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
  14. Schauer advances to general election [ permanent dead link ]Battle Creek Enquirer, August 6, 2008
  15. Renier re-enters race for Mich. seat in U.S. House, Associated Press [ permanent dead link ]LSJ.com, September 17, 2008, accessed September 18, 2008
  16. http://www.dailypressandargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080314/NEWS01/803140314%5B%5D
  17. "MIGREENS.ORG - Candidates2007". Archived from the original on June 28, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  18. candidates Archived August 5, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  19. "Elaection Page". Archived from the original on January 17, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  20. "Topic Galleries - chicagotribune.com". Chicago Tribune.
  21. Mayor's scandal looms over mom's congressional re-election campaign | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
  22. Cheeks Kilpatrick in a fight for survival in Democratic primary | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
  23. Cheeks Kilpatrick triumphs over Waters in close primary race | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
  24. Little decorum during congressional debate | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
  25. Cheeks Kilpatrick's slim win pokes holes in armor | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
  26. Michigan news | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
  27. City of Detroit | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
  28. Michigan news | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
  29. Locally, he is also referred to as the Dean of Downriver