Lansing: Democrat switches to GOP to run in House race; Slezak criticizes Pres. Obama

By Kathy Barks Hoffman AP Political Writer LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- A former Democratic state lawmaker is switching to the Republican Party and launched a campaign Wednesday for U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee's seat, The Associated Press learned. Ex-Rep. Jim Slezak of Genesee County's Davison Township said in a release that he was making the switch to the GOP and kicking off his campaign Wednesday for the 5th District seat that Kildee, a Democrat, has held for more than three decades. The AP was given an advance copy of the release and an early look at Slezak's announcement video. Kildee, who has represented his working-class hometown of Flint and the surrounding area in Congress for 34 years, announced in July that he would retire when his current term expires next year, confident his seat will remain in Democratic hands. Several Democrats are either already running or considering the race. Among them are James Barcia of Bay City, a former state senator and congressman; Sen. John Gleason of Flushing; Rep. Woodrow Stanley of Flint; Michigan Education Association organizer David Crim; and former Genesee County official Dan Kildee, Dale Kildee's nephew. Slezak served in the Michigan House from 2009-10 before making an unsuccessful bid for the state Senate last year against two others in the 26th District Democratic primary. He opposes abortion and supports gun rights. He said in the release he's switching parties because President Barack Obama and other national Democratic leaders "have failed our community." "He came to Flint on the campaign trail, but has ignored us as president," Slezak said. He criticized Democratic leaders for having shown "no vision, no leadership and no understanding of the problems families, small businesses and the hard-working men and women of Michigan face every day." Campaign spokesman John Yob said Slezak's partisan switch is a sign that some Democrats are growing disaffected with Obama. Yob said Slezak is a good fit for the district. However, Republicans who redrew Michigan's congressional lines for 2012 made the district more Democratic. Published: Thu, Sep 22, 2011