Gov. Rick Snyder for President? Michigan Patch Poll

Gov. Rick Snyder says he’s focused for now on building voter support for a tax increase to fix Michigan’s roads, but hasn’t ruled out running for the presidency. Among other potential candidates, he’s the only one backing a tax increase, which he calls a “commonsense” approach. (Patch file photo)

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Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder hasn’t scheduled any trips to early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire, but he told the Associated Press last week that he hasn’t ruled out a run for the White House.

Snyder said he’s focused right now on building voter support for a May 5 ballot question to fix Michigan’s crumbling road system. “There’s time to evaluate opportunities,” he said, which the AP said was the strongest signal to date that he could enter the race.

The Detroit News asked Snyder’s spokeswoman about the governor’s travel plans to early voting states and she said nothing is on the schedule.

So far, only Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has officially announced his candidacy in a potentially crowded GOP field.

Others raising money and considering runs include former UN Ambassador John Bolton of Maryland, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Detroit-born Dr. Ben Carson of Florida, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich, former IRS Commissioner Mark Everson of Mississippi and businesswoman Carly Fiorina of Virginia.

Also, former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, South Carolina Sen Lindsey Graham, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee of Florida, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, New York Congressman Pete King and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Also, former New York Gov. George Pataki, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

At least one key difference separates Snyder from the pack – his support for a tax increase to fix Michigan’s roads, which he say is a “commonsense” move.

“You do the math, and this is the right thing to do,” former accountant Snyder said Wednesday in Washington, where he was receiving an award for bipartisanship and pragmatism.

Tell Us:

• If he enters the race, would you vote for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for the GOP nomination? If not, who would you support? Take our poll and discuss in the comments.