Updated: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 9:29 PM
By Nate Reens
MLive.com:
GRAND RAPIDS – Roy Schmidt’s filing deadline switch to the Republican party has been immediately embraced by GOP colleagues who credited the now-former Democrat from Grand Rapids with aligning for the people he represents and not a party platform.
Schmidt, who served for 16 years on the nonpartisan Grand Rapids City Commission, said in a statement that his ideals and priorities remain the same.
“I am a moderate dedicated as ever to representing the people of Grand Rapids, and will always fight for improving education, public safety and protecting children,” Schmidt said.
He was not available for interviews on the change of allegiance. Schmidt's comments were released by state House Republican communications staff.
The move was credited as an astute choice for Michigan’s future by state Republican Chairman Bobby Schostak. He said Republicans offer a continued turnaround plan to improve Michigan’s economic comeback.
“Representative Roy Schmidt is the latest casualty of the Democratic Party’s extreme agenda of politics ahead people,” Schostak said. “I applaud Rep. Schmidt for choosing to put his convictions and constituents first by joining the Republican Party. Michigan’s economic comeback has just begun and there is still a lot of work to be done. But, make no mistake, the parties could not be any more different.”
Dan Koorndyk, a Republican Kent County Commissioner, said he believed Schmidt was always a centrist during his city and state political service.
“He’s one of the few Democrats I’ve been able to reach out to and talk about county issues,” Koorndyk said Tuesday. “I think he just looked at the district and saw it going more Republican than Democrat. He was always on the fence as far as partisan politics goes anyway.”
Schmidt will run to hold the 76th District seat that due to redistricting shifts from his West Side roots to a circle around the city, sometimes referred to as the outside of a donut.
No Republican had filed to run against Schmidt and the last-second timing of his swap did not allow Democrats to submit a candidate endorsed by the party.
Matt Mojzak has entered the race as a Democrat, but Jim Rinck, Kent County Democratic Party Chair, said he did not know Mojzak and that the candidate has not been affiliated with the party.
State Rep. Lisa Posthumous Lyons, R-Alto, said Tuesday that she’s long held respect for Schmidt.
“He’s a stand-up guy who does what he thinks is right,” Lyons said. “There is no better person and this is not about party, not about politics. It’s about people. He’s always represented Grand Rapids with integrity and honesty.”
U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Township, echoed Lyons’ comments. Amash and Schmidt served one term together in the state House.
"I'd like to welcome Michigan state Rep. Roy Schmidt to the Republican Party,” Amash said. “Roy is a good man and has always been easy to work with regardless of party label. He will continue to serve the people of Grand Rapids with honor.”
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