GOP SWEEP: Snyder wins Michigan Governor race, Republicans take A.G. & Secretary of State too

(WXYZ) - Republican Rick Snyder who campaigned as a "tough nerd" will be the next Michigan Governor. His win also helped sweep GOP candidates for Attorney General and Secretary of State.

Republican Rick Snyder spoke to supporters just after 11 p.m. Tuesday declaring victory in the race against the Democratic candidate, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. At 10:03 p.m. Bernero told his own supporters that he had called Snyder to concede the race.

Snyder's victory was likely a factor in other statewide races as well. Republican Bill Schuette won the Michigan Attorney General’s race, defeating Democrat David Leyton. In another GOP win, Ruth Johnson won the Michigan Secretary of State race, defeating Democrat Jocelyn Benson.

Snyder is the founder, chairman and CEO of Ardesta, an Ann Arbor-based investment firm. He is also the founder of Avalon Investments Inc., a venture capital company that he ran from 1997-2000.

Before that he served as executive vice president and then president and COO of Gateway Inc., from 1991-1997 He was also an employee and then partner at Coopers & Lybrand from 1982-1991 and an adjunct assistant professor of accounting, University of Michigan from 1982-84.

Snyder has served as on Ann Arbor SPARK's executive committee as well as on the boards of The Henry Ford museum and several boards tied to the University of Michigan. He is married and the father of three children.

Snyder will take over for current Governor Jennifer Granholm early next year. Granholm issued the following statement congratulating Snyder and pledging a smooth transition: "I congratulate Rick Snyder on his election and have pledged that my administration will help facilitate a smooth transition as he prepares to become Michigan's 48th governor. My administration stands ready to do everything necessary to ensure that Governor-elect Snyder and his team receive full cooperation and the administrative and technical support necessary to take up the mantle of governance starting January 1."

Snyder will meet with Governor Granholm Wednesday morning to discuss the transition. The governor-elect is then expected to announce details of his transition team during an 11 a.m. news conference at the Book Cadillac hotel, then spend the rest of the day meeting with advisers and staff.
 

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