State Senate

Michigan Senate race remains too close to call

As of 4 a.m. today, the race for the state Senate was still too close to call, with 12 seats confirmed for the Democrats and 11 confirmed for the Republicans.

Previously, the GOP held 22 seats in the Senate, while the Democrats held 16 seats. Democrats would need to gain at least four seats in order to become the majority party.

Republicans have held the majority in the state Senate since 1984.

State House

Results unclear, but Dems poised to take over House

For the first time since 1999, Democrats may gain control of the state House of Representatives.

As of 4 a.m. today, results for the state House raise were inconclusive, but Democrats had picked up several key seats and were likely to gain control of the chamber.

Republicans previously held a 58-49 majority with three vacancies. To gain a majority, Democrats needed to retain three and win four additional seats.

City council

Kunselman lone new face on council

Stephen Kunselman, a Democrat, was the only new member elected to the Ann Arbor City Council last night.

Kunselman beat Green Party candidate Peter Schermerhorn to capture the open Ward 3 seat, receiving 6,189 of the 8,722 votes cast.

"(Winning) feels great," Kunselman said while enjoying a gyro and a basket of fries at the Fleetwood Diner. "I"m really excited.It's been a long journey because I first contemplated (running) back in July of 2005."

Kunsleman said he looks forward to bringing a unqiue perspective to the counsel, one influenced by his lifelong residence in Ann Arbor. He also said if students truly want to participate in city government, he will be willing to work with them.

Schermerhorn was in good spirits last night, despite being somewhat disillusioned by the amount of straight Democrat ballots that had been cast.

"Clearly, (the Green Party) has done better than it has ever done in town," Schermerhorn said. "So, we are building momentum towards eventually winning office."

Schermerhorn won about 16 percent of the vote.

City council member Ron Suarez (D-Ward 1), who beat Democrat John Roberts in the August primary, Joan Lowenstein (D-Ward 2), Margie Teall (D-Ward 4) and Chris Easthope (D-Ward 5) did not face challengers yesterday.

Mayor

Two more years: Hieftje wins again

John Hieftje will sit in Tree Town's mayoral suite for yet another term.
Hieftje won his election last night, receiving 30,929 of the 39,362 votes cast, ensuring a fourth term in office and maintaining his record of never having lost a precinct.

"I'm really happy to have another opportunity to serve," Hieftje said. "My thanks go out to Ann Arbor voters."
Hiefje's opponent, independent Tom Wall, could not be reached for comment last night.

In his upcoming term, Hieftje said he hopes to focus on transportaion and environmental concerns in Ann Arbor.

- Anne Joling, Daily News Editor