After hearing from a few folks about this, I checked it out – two names appear on the “Supporters” lists for both the Elect Vicki Barnett and Welday for Change Web sites. Both Barnett and Welday have laid claim to endorsements from Annabelle Gabel, a long-time Farmington council watcher, and John Anhut, who chairs the Farmington Hills Economic Development Commission, an organization he has ably served since the 1970s.
It’s a question worth asking, because personal endorsements are the life’s blood of every candidacy. People pay attention not only to candidates, but to the people standing behind them. It seems odd that two such divergent campaigns would receive support from the same people – and two highly visible people, at that. A long-time Farmington resident, Mrs. Gabel faithfully attends council and other government meetings, public forums, community events and often speaks during the public comment section at Farmington city council meetings. Mr. Anhut formerly owned the Botsford Inn and has for years been a champion of business development in Farmington Hills and Farmington. I did the tiniest bit of research (scroll to the bottom of the page, type in a contributor’s name, it’s all public information) and learned that, while he has contributed to Republican candidates in past elections, Mr. Anhut also supported Elect Vicki Barnett with a contribution in September of 2007.
Here are my relevant questions: What does one have to do to be named on a candidate “Supporters” list? Neither of these folks has made a contribution to Mr. Welday’s campaign; Secretary of State records show Mrs. Gabel has not contributed to either campaign. Is it just a matter of saying, “Good luck”? Could an individual’s well wishes be misconstrued as a sign of support? Maybe these folks accidentally endorsed one of the candidates. Or offered their support and then withdrew it. Or…
Well, the only thing I know for sure is that it isn’t about whether you’re signed up for their e-mail updates. I’m not on Welday’s “Supporters” page, but I am on his list. And probably in more ways than one.
–Joni Hubred-Golden
Enterprise Publisher
Annabelle is a died-in-the-wool Democrat. She’s been a delegate to their convention for criminy’s sake. I would be astonished (make that flabbergasted) to find that she’s endorsed ANY Republican, especially Mr. Welday.