George Munson Professor of Political Economy Gary Wolfram endorsed U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz in his re-election campaign on March 9.
In his statement Wolfram said, “Congressman Joe Schwarz is an asset to the people of the State of Michigan and the 7 th Congressional District. As a former chief of staff to the now-retired Rep. Nick Smith, I know an effective congressman when I see one. Joe [Schwarz] has done an exemplary job in his first year in the people’s house.”
Schwarz, a Republican from Battle Creek, Mich., replaced retiring U.S. Rep. Nick Smith in 2004 and now represents the 7 th Congressional District.
Wolfram has known Schwarz since 1986 when Schwarz was a state senator and Wolfram served as the economist for the Michigan Senate. Wolfram also served as chief of staff for Smith, Schwarz’s predecessor.
“He’s a thinker,” Wolfram said. “He’s willing to consider arguments on various topics. He’s capable of being persuaded on issues.”
Wolfram views his endorsement as a statement on Schwarz’s political views.
“He’s not as conservative as the district [he represents], but he’s not as liberal as everyone makes him out to be,” Wolfram said. “I felt [my endorsement] would send a signal that he’s not as liberal as he’s been painted.”
Schwarz is a practicing physician, which provides him with knowledge on health issues, something Wolfram said he views as a valuable asset.
Schwarz faces Republican Tim Walberg in the primary to be held Aug. 8.
“Both are good candidates,” Wolfram said. “Walberg is not somebody I wouldn’t vote for, but in these circumstances, at this particular time, Joe [Schwarz] is the better candidate.”
Wolfram is considered by many to be a respected Republican veteran, having served the Michigan Senate as the senior economist for the Michigan State Republican Policy staff, serving as Washington chief of staff for Congressman Nick Smith and as Michigan’s deputy state treasurer for taxation and economic policy.