Sandy Pensler announced his candidacy for US Senate Monday morning. He’s being viewed as an outsider candidate with an extensive business background that could aid in Michigan’s economic comeback.
Vowing to fund his campaign with millions of his own money is making him look like the GOP’s best option to take on Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow.
But Pensler isn’t letting his money get in the way of reaching out to conservatives and grassroots activists across the state. On day one of his campaign, he’s making an effort to reach out to potential supporters, and clarify his position on an important issue.
Pensler ran for Congress 25 years ago back in 1992 and declared himself pro-choice in that election. It was a three-way race between Margaret O’Connor, Dick Chrysler, and Sandy Pensler. Right to Life of Michigan endorsed O’Connor in that race, and Dick Chrysler ended up winning the nomination and serving in Congress.
A few individuals tied to his opponent’s campaigns are trying to portray Pensler as still pro-choice.
However, Pensler is describing a change of heart he’s had on the issue since the younger version of himself that ran in 1992.
“My wife and I think abortion is a bad thing and wrong, consider ourselves pro-life, and strongly believe that Roe v Wade was a terrible decision. We should defund planned parenthood and put in place judges that do not legislate from the bench,” Pensler said. “My position on the issue has evolved from when I ran 25 years ago influenced by having had and raised my own family.”
It’s smart to see Pensler so openly describe his conversion to pro-life. One of the tenants of pro-life activists is to accept converts with open arms because a majority of the country will be needed to win this important fight.
Pensler joins President Trump and other key Republican leaders who have become more pro-life in the past 25 years.
He is in a position to bring spark and attention to a senate race that has stalled out as of late now that Kid Rock, Lena Epstein, and Fred Upton decided not to run.
Both of his announced opponents John James and Bob Young seem to be stuck in neutral. They’ve been running for months, but have been unable to garner much support from Republicans across the state.
Third quarter fundraising numbers were further evidence of this. James raised $309,154.13 and had $216,204.26 cash on hand. Young’s numbers were even worse, raising $156,054.87 with just $102,014.57 cash on hand.
They’re not raising nearly enough to come even close to competing with Debbie Stabenow in the General Election. Stabenow had close to $7 million in the bank last quarter, and will have a lot of help from establishment Democrats in her reelection bid.
Not only will Pensler be putting up enough of his own money to compete, but should also enjoy a boost from his many business connections in southeast Michigan and across the country.
Pensler has instantly become the candidate to watch in Michigan.
