On July 19th in 1848, the Seneca Falls Conference opened in upstate New York, an event often recognized as the beginning of the modern Women's Rights Movement. This July 19 Garnet traveled to Lansing for both symbolic and substantial reasons, including her official filing as a candidate with the State Bureau of Elections. She recently let Club members know of her visit to the state capital and the useful advice she received.

"We ventured down to Lansing on July 19 to meet with some of the House Democratic Caucus staff and the Byrum Fisk Communications staff. The main message of the day: 'Dollars & Doors'. It was made quite clear that I need to start hitting the doors in order to increase my name recognition, and they also made it very clear that I need to be raising money, and lots of it."

She also met with Representatives Terry Brown (84th District) and Andy Meisner (27th District). Brown won as a Democrat in a traditionally conservative district that has been compared to the 98th. Meisner is a master of fundraising who is sure to be helpful in raising the money needed to win in this challenging district. Obviously, Garnet has put a lot of forethought and planning into running an intelligent campaign. She recently revealed some elements of her early campaign strategy.

"I want to be sure that we go about this in a methodical and practical manner. Hitting the doors without a plan and without professional campaign materials will not serve us well. We'll be sure that we are organized and then we'll hit the ground running."

The historical significance of the filing date also sent a powerful message. Without a legal right to be "heard" at the polls, women activists- suffragettes-had taken to the streets in demonstrations and protests that continued for over 70 years- from the Seneca Falls Conference in July 1848 to August of 1920 (when the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women's right to vote was ratified). In those decades of struggle arrests, beatings, and force feedings (of women on hunger strikes) were among the indignities suffered by those who demanded that, as Elizabeth Cady Stanton had proclaimed in 1848, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal".

It is a profound statement of commitment to this timeless principle and the ongoing fight for equality that Garnet Lewis chose this day to announce her intention of honoring the courageous legacy of those who opened the paths to opportunity and empowerment. She is carrying the enlightening torch of this struggle into the 21st Century as the next state representative for the 98th District. Many local Democratic leaders have expressed great enthusiasm for Garnet's campaign.

State Representative Andy Coulouris (95th District) shared his thoughts about having such a highly qualified House colleague in the neighboring 98th. "Garnet has the energy and imagination to be an impact player in Lansing. There are very few other people whom I've met in politics with as much commitment to following through on their vision. I have always been impressed by Garn's willingness to roll up her sleeves and get the job done. She will make a wonderful representative and a tremendous addition to the Legislature."

Midland County Democratic Party Vice Chair Connie Glave stated, "The one thing I hear people talking about is a desire for leadership in government. Garnet's not only is a strong leader, who is willing to stand up for what is right, but her research background enables her to dig into issues and make informed decisions. She is willing to do the work that it takes to run an effective campaign, while enlisting the help of and inspiring the people around her. I look forward to helping her in her campaign and urge others to support her as well."

Saginaw County Democratic Party Chairman Bob Blaine, a longtime Saginaw County Commissioner for the 2nd district and 2006 candidate for 94th State House, looked back on his own political successes and expressed his confidence in Garnet's prospects.

"I have won the commissioner seat in the southern 98th State House (district) for 10 years. I did it with hard work. I know that Garnet Lewis will out work her opponent and that is the biggest reason that she has a good chance to win that race. Many people said that the commissioner seat (2nd District of Saginaw County) could not be won by a Democrat. She faces that same challenge (in the 98th) and is willing to accept it. Garnet Lewis is smart, hardworking, organized, and has the support and resources of many Democrats."

Louis Rocha, SCDP Vice Chair and longtime activist on Labor and Justice issues, also showed his enthusiasm about today's announcement. "I am very excited to see Garnet run for the 98th State House. With all of the energy that she has and her total commitment to the Democratic Party, I know that she will represent us well in Lansing. I look forward to helping her to Victory!"

Further words of praise and encouragement came from SCDP Secretary Kitty Packard. "As one of the senior members of the Saginaw County Democratic Party, I can remember the dedication to education of former Democratic Representative James E. O'Neil. Just as he was dedicated to educating our children, Garnet Lewis has chosen this as her goal. I look forward to helping Garnet become the State Representative for the 98th District. As the Assistant Director for Professional Education at Central Michigan University, she has the experience, knowledge and education needed to represent us in Lansing. I wish her all the luck in the world and look forward to working on her campaign."

Ellen Rodman, an active SADC member and currently a staffer for Representative Andy Meisner (D- Ferndale) in Lansing, welcomed the news as well, saying, "Garnet Lewis will be a great addition to the Michigan House of Representatives. Her enthusiasm and fresh ideas are much needed."

Garnet Lewis, Ph.D. is currently Associate Director for Professional Education, Center for Student Services in the College of Education at Central Michigan University. She has recently served as President/CEO of Data & Survey Management Solutions. Her diverse and impressive work credentials in higher education also include time as Director of Institutional Research, Division of Enrollment Management and Student Services (SVSU); Educational Research Consultant, Michigan Department of Rehabilitation Services for the State of Michigan; Associate Vice President for Student Services, Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Texas); Research Associate at The University of Texas (Arlington); Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas (Denton); Residential Life Coordinator and Director of Summer Session and Bridge Housing (The University of California at Berkeley); and Residence Director and Orientation Program Director (Northern Michigan University).

In addition to these professional qualifications, Garnet brings a wealth of experience in community involvement. She served as a member of the Freeland Chamber of Commerce; has volunteered with "Meals on Wheels", Saginaw County Commission on Aging and served as a mentor with "READ Association of Saginaw County". Earlier, Garnet was a member of "Sports Affects Girls’ Excellence" (SAGE) Board and "Erath County Against Drug Abuse" (Stephenville, Texas). Her public service includes work on the Saginaw Area Fireworks Committee and the Dow Event Center Board. Also, she has served as a poll worker in the 18th City Precinct.

Besides her role as SADC President, she has also been a force in several Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) campaigns, including those of Governor Jennifer Granholm, 95th State Representative Andy Coulouris, candidates Carl Williams and Bob Blaine, and efforts to defeat Proposal 2 in 2006 and the new Saginaw City Charter in 2007. She is an elected Democratic Precinct Delegate and serves as Corresponding Secretary for the 4th Congressional District as well as District Director for the Justice Caucus. Garnet was poll captain in the 6th Precinct (2006 & 2007), and has volunteered with "Saginaw Yes!", "United Citizens for Saginaw", and "Citizens for Responsible Change".

Garnet Lewis is a proud member of many important organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Emily's List, National Organization for Women (NOW), Human Rights Coalition, "Perceptions", Triangle Foundation, MoveOn.org, Saginaw County Meetup, and Democracy for America (DFA). Garnet is also a dues- paying member of both the Saginaw County and Michigan Democratic Parties.

This eminently qualified candidate for 98th State House received a Bachelor of Science degree from Truman State University (Kirksville, Missouri) in 1983; and followed that up by earning her Masters of Arts degree from Northern Michigan University (Marquette) in 1986. In 1992, she received a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas (Denton).

A resident of Freeland (Tittabawassee Township) in Saginaw County, Garnet has extensive experience in higher education and political activism. She has brought Kyle Bostwick on as campaign manager. Kyle previously ran Bob Blaine's campaign for the 94th District in 2006.

Garnet stresses the importance that an affordable college education has for the future of Michigan. She has stated that her campaign will emphasize Education, the Economy, and Healthcare. The three issues go hand-in-hand.

“It is common knowledge that a strong educational system boosts the economy. It is time for the State Legislature to stop balancing the state budget on the backs of our students and their parents.”

She also insists on maintaining an open, accessible, and accountable government. “It has been my personal commitment to be engaged in grassroots politics. That will continue when I am in Lansing. I will continue my professional commitment to an open door policy by encouraging fellow citizens to come to Lansing. I will also bring Lansing to the 98th district by holding legislative meetings here so that area residents can participate directly.”

“We elect our state representatives to work on our behalf and negotiate to reach compromise with one another for the benefit of all Michigan residents. It is time to solve our budget problems in Lansing by joining together to generate solutions that strengthen our state.”

The 98th District of the Michigan House of Representatives is comprised of most of Midland County, as well as sections of Saginaw County, including Zilwaukee, Kochville, Carrollton, Hemlock, Merrill, and Freeland. The seat is currently held by Republican John Moolenaar, who will step down due to term limits.

It is impossible to imagine the formation and subsequent development of the activist SADC without Garnet Lewis's untiring commitment and bold direction. The 98th District of Michigan will be fortunate to have her as their next representative in Lansing.

Visit Garnet's website at www.garnetlewis2008.com. You can reach her by email at garnetlewis2008@gmail.com.

As with her grassroots leadership of the SADC, Garnet's run for the 98th can best be summarized in the now familiar words of Eboo Patel- "Action is what separates a belief from an opinion."