ROAD WORK AHEAD
Republican gubernatorial contender James Craig has had a rocky start, to say the least. First there was an embarrassing initial announcement on Belle Isle where protesters got as much, if not more, ink than the former police chief. Any follow up public appearances have not ignited much press enthusiasm which is probably why Craig continues to seek the safe haven of FOX tv shows to reach the party base in Michigan. The campaign hit another speed bump in late November, when veteran political consultant John Yob announced he was leaving the Craig camp where he had served as a key advisor. Yob has many notches in his belt, including working on the 2010 campaign of former Gov. Rick Snyder. Published reports suggest that Yob did not agree with the direction the Craig effort will take next year. Yob has said he looked forward to some family time and will decide after the start of January whether to hitch his wagon to another campaign in 2022. The rumor mill has it that Troy millionaire Perry Johnson could still get in the race and that would be home for Yob next year, probably at a better pay rate than the Craig gig. One GOP prognosticator still insists Craig has the best name recognition in the cluster of 11 hopefuls announced so far, but adds that although Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is vulnerable, none of the current field can beat her.