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Terri Lynn Land

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Terri Lynn Land
41st Secretary of State of Michigan
In office
January 1, 2003 – January 1, 2011
GovernorJennifer Granholm
Preceded byCandice Miller
Succeeded byRuth Johnson
Personal details
Born (1958-06-30) June 30, 1958 (age 66)
Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseDaniel Hibma
Alma materHope College

Terri Lynn Land (born June 30, 1958 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is an American politician who served as Michigan's 41st Secretary of State. In 2012, Land was elected to the Republican National Committee.[2] She is the Republican nominee for the 2014 United States Senate race in Michigan.

Early life and education

The granddaughter of immigrants from the Netherlands, Land grew up changing sheets and mowing grass for her grandparents’ family motel business.[3] Land grew up in Grandville, Michigan, graduating from Grandville High School. In 1976, she attended the Republican National Convention, where she shook Gerald Ford's hand.[4] Land was one of the youngest attendees at the 1978 Republican state convention. She worked her way through college as she attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in political science.[5][6] In 2009, Land was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Davenport University, "in recognition of her accomplishments and contributions to the community."[7]

Early political career

In 1980, at age 22, Land joined the Grandville Planning Commission. At age 23, Land ran for the Michigan House of Representatives, unsuccessfully challenging incumbent Democrat Jelt Sietsema.[4]

From 1992–2000, she was the elected Clerk of Kent County, the fourth largest county of Michigan.[6]

In 2000, with Gov. John Engler’s encouragement, Land ran unsuccessfully for the Michigan State Board of Education.[4][8]

Michigan Secretary of State

Main article: Michigan Secretary of State election, 2002

In 2002, Land became Michigan's 41st Secretary of State, defeating Melvin Hollowell, a Detroit-based attorney, 55%-43% and took office on January 1, 2003.[9][10] Land and her husband contributed more than $1.9 million of their own money in the 2002 and 2006 Secretary of State campaigns.[11]

During Land's tenure as Secretary of State, she implemented a plan to expand online service options, improve services at branch offices to create shorter lines for customers, and make use of more reliable election equipment.[12] The Grand Rapids Press editorial board praised Land for her technological transformation of state services.[13][14] According to the Michigan Legislature, Land implemented “other advancements, [which] include the introduction of Self-Service Stations for easy license plate tab renewals and creation of an online Branch Office Locator that provides customers with office locations, hours, and services simply by entering their zip code, city or county".[15] Land championed the effort to implement more reliable voting machines,while also installing magnetic barcode readers in all branch offices to speed up transactions and ensure accuracy.[13][16]

Despite a decreased budget to work with, Land was successful in consolidating offices to make them more efficient, yet all through attrition so that no workers were laid off, Land also carried out the successful consolidation of branch offices in a nonpartisan manner.[13] Terri Lynn Land also refused to take advantage of her name being placed on the signs at branch offices, a political advantage used by previous Secretaries of State, to rather have the Secretary of State’s website address be advertised as online services increased.[13]

Secretary Land led the charge to consolidate Michigan’s elections, which saved money, reduced confusion, and helped eliminate ‘stealth elections’.[17] Staying ahead of the work required by the Help America Vote Act, Land also selected a single style voting machine to be implemented statewide with funding from the federal government.[18] In 2005, Land's office announced an effort to use the Help America Vote Act to reduce potential voter fraud by removing names of voters who had died, moved out of Michigan, or changed their names. A New York Times investigation found that 33,000 people were removed from the rolls, while Land's office said 11,000 voters were removed. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) took Michigan to court over the removal of voter names. The New York Times pointed out that “the problems were not unique to Michigan, and that states with Republican and Democratic election officials had struggled to interpret new federal laws, such as the Help America Vote Act.” In October 2008, a federal judge ruled that the national Voting Rights Act had been violated and six states, including Michigan, were ordered to stop removing names from voter rolls. A spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office told the Detroit Free Press that, “If you're eligible to vote, you will be able to cast a vote on Election Day".[19][20][21] Furthermore, Land spearheaded several outreach initiatives that increased voter participation, including touring all university campuses to offer registration opportunities, which caused unprecedented voter turnout rates in 2004, 2006, and 2008.[22]

In 2006, she was elected to a second term, defeating Macomb County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh 56%-42%.[23] After serving two terms, the maximum allowed in the state, she was succeeded by Republican Ruth Johnson.[24]

Political positions

Obamacare

Land has called for repeal of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), while calling for the law to be repealed and replaced through effective health care reform. Her solutions for reform include: increasing patient control over healthcare dollars and healthcare decisions, encouraging competition by allowing insurance to be purchased across state lines, improving transparency in regard to prices before treatment, and ensuring that those with pre-existing conditions are not denied quality and affordable coverage in the future.[25] Regarding Michigan's decision to expand Medicaid eligibility using federal funding, Land has applauded Republican Governor Rick Snyder for "doing what he thinks is best for Michigan families while complying with a federal mandate."[26][27]

Abortion and Birth Control

Land does not support legislation that would ban access to birth control such as the pill or IUD.[28] Land supports abortion only to save the life of the mother and does not support government funding of abortion.[28]

The Economy

On the economy, Land has pledged to put Michigan first by cutting red tape, downsizing big government, and working to make the tax code lower, fairer, and simpler so that Michigan businesses can invest, hire, and grow.[29][30]

Minimum Wage

Land has stated that she opposes legislation to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.[31] However, Land recently stressed the importance of everyone having the possibility to get a job, and stated that she is open to “looking at an increase.”[32]

Women

On equal pay for women, Land stated, “I’m a woman, of course I support equal pay for equal work! My commitment to women’s equality doesn’t end there. I also support women having a bigger role in the workplace and having more control over their workday".[33] As Secretary of State, Land also implemented a program called Lead Worker that led to an unprecedented number of women being hired into management positions statewide.[34] Her own campaign website states that she is a “strong supporter” of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that serve to protect women in the workplace.[35]

Same-Sex Marriage

Land said she believes in "traditional marriage between a man and a woman," and that Michigan voters, who approved Michigan Proposal 04-2 in 2004, "have spoken on the issue."[36]

2014 U.S. Senate election

Main article: United States Senate election in Michigan, 2014

On June 3, 2013 Land announced her candidacy for the United States Senate in 2014.[37] She ran unopposed in the primary. She will face Democratic congressman Gary Peters in the general election.[38]

According to an analysis by the Washington Post, the U.S. Senate election in Michigan is considered one of the top 10 Senate races of 2014. Land had a strong fundraising run in the third quarter of 2013.[39] Land's largest independent backer was Americans for Prosperity, which had spent $3.6 million in support of her candidacy.[40]

In 2014, Land gave $3 million to her own campaign. Land stated that, "You can't ask other people to invest in you if you don't invest in yourself.”[4] In her federal financial disclosure form, she had not listed any bank accounts or other assets in her control worth that much. Her campaign said that it had mistakenly failed to disclose a joint account she has with her husband. A Detroit Free Press review of financial disclosure forms showed Land and her husband had assets between them worth $35 million in 2014, with $1.5 million belonging to Land, and that "candidates may typically tap liberally into joint accounts with their spouses."[41]

In May 2014, Land gave speech at the Mackinac Policy Conference, that according to Jack Lessenberry of Michigan Radio, is a unique event in which for three days, virtually all the state’s top business and civic leaders congregate. Lessenberry described Land as coming across "like a high school student who had memorized a speech. You had the terrible sensation that if interrupted, she would have had to start all over from the beginning.".[42] Following her speech, Land was swarmed by reporters and, unable to articulate a response to a question, pushed their microphones away while stating "I can't do this."[43]

She has been endorsed by congresswoman Candice Miller,[44] former congressman Pete Hoekstra,[45] and the Family Research Council.[46]

Personal life

Land married Dan Hibma in 1983. The Lands live in Byron Center.[11] They have two children: Jessica and Nicholas.

According to financial disclosures, Land and her family have assets worth at least $34 million.[11]

Electoral history

Michigan Secretary of State Election 2006[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Terri Lynn Land (incumbent) 2,089,864 56.15
Democratic Carmella Sabaugh 1,561,828 41.96
Michigan Secretary of State Election 2002[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Terri Lynn Land 1,703,261 54.96
Democratic Melvin Hollowell 1,331,441 42.96

References

  1. ^ "Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land". Michigan State Legislature. They attend Corinth Reformed Church, where Secretary Land was nursery supervisor for many years.
  2. ^ Spangler, Todd (2014-02-16). "Suddenly, Michigan Republican Terri Lynn Land building steam in Senate race". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  3. ^ "Land campaigns in region for Michigan Senate seat". Midland Daily News. January 14, 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d "Profile: Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is in the driver's seat". MLive. 2009-02-20. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  5. ^ "Profile: Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is in the driver's seat". MLive.com. February 20, 2009. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Alumni Profiles". Hope College. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  7. ^ "DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY PRESENTING HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE TO SECRETARY OF STATE TERRI LYNN LAND" (PDF). Davenport University. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  8. ^ "State of Michigan Election Results". Secretary of State. November 7, 2000. Retrieved November 20, 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  9. ^ "Michigan Department of State Election Results". Michigan.gov. December 17, 2002. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  10. ^ "cretary of State 4 Year Term (1) Position". Michigan Department of State. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  11. ^ a b c Eeggert, David (6 August 2013). "Michigan GOP Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land has deep pockets". The Associated Press. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  12. ^ "No Good Deed Unpunished". Michigan Capitol Confidential. Feb 7, 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  13. ^ a b c d "Editorial: Examining Terri Lynn Land's Years as Secretary of State". MLive.com. December 2, 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  14. ^ "MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE 2003 – 2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS" (PDF). www.michigan.gov. 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  15. ^ "SECRETARY OF STATE TERRI LYNN LAND" (PDF). Michigan Legislative Website. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  16. ^ "Michigan Department of State Election Results" (PDF). Michigan.gov. 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  17. ^ "Michigan Department of State 2003-2010 Accomplishments" (PDF). Michigan.gov. 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  18. ^ "SOS- Michigan Elections: A Plan for the 21st Century". Michigan.gov. 2006. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  19. ^ Siddiqui, Sabrina (2014-02-20). "Terri Lynn Land, Michigan GOP Senate Candidate, Violated Federal Voting Law". Huffington Post. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  20. ^ Klug, Fritz (2014-02-23). "The Michigan Delegation: US Senate Obamacare attack ad 'doesn't add up'". MLive. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  21. ^ Hackney, Suzette (2008-10-10). "Michigan Secretary of State denies voters off rolls illegally". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  22. ^ "Good Government Through Customer Service". Michigan.gov. December 15, 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  23. ^ "Secretary of State 4 Year Term (1) Position". Michigan Department of State. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  24. ^ a b c "Secretary of State 4 Year Term (1) Position". MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  25. ^ "Real Health Care Reform". TerriLynnLand.com. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  26. ^ Oosting, Jonathan (2014-04-24). "GOP Senate hopeful Terri Lynn Land marks Obamacare anniversary, reiterates call for repeal". MLive. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  27. ^ Eilperin, Juliet; Costa, Robert (2014-05-20). "Some GOP candidates show signs of retreat on health-law repeal as midterms approach". Washington Post. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  28. ^ a b "Truth Squad: Claim that Terri Lynn Land would ban some birth control unsupported". MLive.com. May 29, 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  29. ^ "War on Michigan". YouTube.com. May 14, 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  30. ^ "Terri Lynn Land: Tax code needs to be fair, simple and predictable". MLive.com. April 15, 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  31. ^ "Senate battle in Michigan: Whiskey and sled rides". Politico. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  32. ^ "Michigan GOP Senate Candidate 'Open' To Minimum Wage Hike". talkingpointsmemo.com. March 31, 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  33. ^ "GOP senate candidate Terri Lynn Land describes the 'real war on women' in America". Washington Examiner. April 23, 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  34. ^ "GOP's Terri Lynn Land Mocks 'War on Women' Line". Daily Caller. April 22, 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  35. ^ "Working for Women". TerriLynnLand.com. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  36. ^ Oosting, Jonathan (31 March 2014). "Republican Terri Lynn Land files signatures for U.S. Senate bid, talks gay marriage and minimum wage". Lansing News. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  37. ^ Blake, Aaro (June 3, 2013). "Terri Lynn Land running for Michigan Senate seat". Washington Post. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  38. ^ Heinlein, Gary (Aug 4, 2014). "Primary likely final decision for most Legislature, Congress races in Mich". Detroit News. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  39. ^ Sullivan, Sean (Nov 8, 2013). "The Fix's top 10 Senate races of 2014". Washington Post. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  40. ^ "Gary Peters again criticizes Terri Land on auto bailout". Associated Press. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  41. ^ "Where did Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land's $3 million come from?". Detroit Free Press. July 17, 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
  42. ^ Lessenberry, Jack. "Terri Lynn Land shows she's not ready for prime time at Mackinac". www.michiganradio.org. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  43. ^ Bobic, Igor. "GOP Senate Candidate Terri Lynn Land Overwhelmed By Reporters: 'I Can't Do This'". www.huffingtonpost.com. Huffington Post. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  44. ^ Cahn, Emily (Aug 20, 2013). "GOP Congresswoman Endorses in Michigan Senate Race". Roll Call. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  45. ^ McMillin, Zane (Aug 21, 2013). "Pete Hoekstra, trounced in 2012 Senate race, endorses Terri Lynn Land's bid". MLive. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  46. ^ "FRC Action PAC Endorses Terri Lynn Land for US Senate". www.frcaction.org. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
Political offices
Preceded by Secretary of State of Michigan
2003–2011 		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Michigan
(Class 2)
2014 		Most recent

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