The political contests in for state representative in northeast and middle of Allegan County are interesting, but, as usual, the challengers face daunting tasks.
It’s been a long time since any Democrat has won any State House race, though Joey Andrews is seeking his second term in the 38th District against the man he defeated two years ago, Republican Kevin Whiteford.
But the closest district around here feature incumbent Republicans challenged by Democratic newcomers. And Republicans around here enjoy the advantages of incumbency.
Perhaps the most interesting race is in the 42nd District, where House Minority Leader Matt Hall faces am ambitious Democrat in Austin Marsman, a Martin High School grade and former member of the Martin Board of Education.
Marsman has lamented the lack of traction generated from a Rolling Stone story about Hall being an alarming gambling addict and a suspect in an alleged instance of domestic violence. It was reported that Hall in a 33-day stretch in 2019 spent $73,000 on gambling. A state legislator makes less than that with annual salary.
Yet very few except Rolling Stone and Townbroadcast have even covered the story at all.
In the 43rd District, Republican Rachelle Smit is seeking her second term and appears to be cruising toward getting the 70 percent of the vote like she did in 2022. Her opponent is Democrat Danene Schumaker.
A former Martin Township Clerk, Smit raised more than a few eyebrows last year when she presented honorary plaques to the brothers Null, Michael and William of Shelbyville, who were accused, but acquitted of charges in connection with the alleged plot to kidnap and kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The brothers didn’t deny involvement, but said they dropped out of the effort.
Republican Angela Rigas has had a quiet campaign for her second two-year term against Republican Jason Rubin. Her 79th District includes only all of Leighton Township in Allegan County. Smit is the representative for all else in the county geographically.
Representative Rigas campaign for re-election has one major change. The phrase “Trump Endorsed” has disappeared from all sizes of her 2024 yard signs.
Editors’ words “and a suspect in an alleged instance of domestic violence.” People are often accused of crimes they never committed. This is not a guilty conviction. Then you find it hard to believe no one covered the non-story? Interesting……..Cheers!!