By Jon King / jking@whmi.com


One of the candidates seeking a local seat in the state legislature has been endorsed by a charter school advocacy group, as well as a group of local elected officials.

On Tuesday, Meghan Reckling, Republican candidate for Michigan’s 47th House district, announced that her campaign had received the Great Lakes Education Project’s endorsement for the 2020 primary. The GLEP was founded by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and her husband Dick and led efforts to remove caps on the number of charter schools that can open in the state. Of the endorsement, Reckling said she, “couldn’t be more pleased” and that as a “strong supporter of meaningful school choice” she supports “a parent’s right to choose the educational model that best meets the needs of their children - whether through traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, virtual schools or homeschooling.”

Meanwhile, a dozen Livingston County leaders also endorsed Reckling for State Representative. They include;

Jennifer Nash, Liv. County Treasurer
Brian Jonckheere, Liv. County Drain Commissioner
Elizabeth Hundley, Liv. County Clerk
Kate Lawrence, Liv. County Commissioner
Wes Nakagiri, Liv. County Commissioner
Mark Fosdick, Supervisor, Cohoctah Township
Sam Theis, Brighton Twp. Trustee
Joseph Riker, Brighton Twp. Clerk
Mary Helfman, Fowlerville Village Council Member
Dan Schifko, Brighton Twp. Planning Commission
Andy Anuzis, Former Liv. County GOP Chair
Penny Murphy, Precinct Delegate, wife of Sheriff Mike Murphy

In making his endorsement, Commissioner Nakagiri said that Reckling, “checks all of the boxes. She (is) an articulate leader, delivering our conservative message in a compelling and convincing manner. She is principled and fights for our values. She is a hands-on activist who has grown our party in both membership and fundraising. And possessing the energy of youth, she is committed to work hard for us for generations to come. I am honored to endorse Meghan Reckling for State Representative”.

Reckling is one of four Republicans vying to replace State Representative Hank Vaupel, who is term-limited. Also running for the GOP nomination is County Commissioner Bob Bezotte, along with Yvonne Black of Marion Township and Zach Dyba, assistant to the Brighton Township manager. The winner of the August 4th primary will face Democrat Adam Smiddy in November.

The 47th House district includes the City of Howell, Village of Fowlerville along with Conway, Cohoctah, Deerfield, Hartland, Handy, Iosco, Unadilla, Oceola, Marion, and Tyrone townships and part of the City of Fenton.