By JOHN EBY

Dowagiac Daily News

Facing a Republican challenge for the first time in eight years, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton opened up a lead for the 6th congressional district nomination for his 13th term against former three-term state legislator (2002-2008) Jack Hoogendyk.

Upton led in Cass County with 16 precincts reporting, 1,703 to 1,524.

On his home turf in Berrien County, Upton pulled ahead, 5,815 to 4,454 and also had a commanding margin in Van Buren County, 5,406 to 3,466; and Kalamazoo County, 7,534 to 5,905.

Figures were not yet available for St. Joseph or Allegan counties.

On the eve of the election, the Hoogendyk for Congress campaign learned that a postcard was sent out, ostensibly from the Ku Klux Klan, endorsing him. The postcard contained a fictitious return address in non-existent Harrison, Ariz.

The Hoogendyk campaign responded in a statement Aug. 2: “We are disappointed that opponents of Mr. Hoogendyk are so desperate to smear his reputation and his campaign that they would embrace such tactics. This is a perfect example of the Chicago-style politics that are corrupting our political system.

“Mr. Hoogendyk would never have sought such an endorsement and utterly rejects the mission of the KKK. It is suspicious, at best, that such a mailing should be sent to Republican voters the day before a hotly contested primary election. The fact that the postcard contains a false return address for a city that does not exist further discredits its claims.”

The Hoogendyk campaign said it had been busy reaching out to the district with the candidate’s message of government integrity, fiscal responsibility and individual liberty.

State Rep. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, knocked on more than 5,000 doors this summer during his campaign to be Cass County’s next state senator.

Proos reached this milestone Monday evening after visiting 150 homes in Edwardsburg and Lincoln Township.

Proos was leading Todd Griffee in Cass County, 2,014 to 992, for the Republican nomination.

“Throughout this election, my team and I worked hard to speak directly to thousands of individuals and families.” Proos said. “I have always considered it my most important job to listen and learn about the opportunities and challenges facing our community from the people of southwest Michigan.”

As a community leader, Proos has stated direct dialogue with his constituents is his top priority. “I am prepared to continue serving our community using my experience, and the concerns and suggestions I have heard on the campaign trail to help build a better Michigan.”

The 21st District seat currently held by term-limited Sen. Ron Jelinek, R-Three Oaks, encompasses Berrien, Cass, and most of Van Buren counties.

Cass County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert Ziliak, R-Milton Township, was trying to withstand a challenge for the GOP nomination by Susan Flowers, leading 219-193 with one of three precincts counted.

In the Republican race to be Michigan’s next governor, Cass County preferred Congressman Pete Hoekstra (1,335), Attorney General Mike Cox (891), Rick Snyder, who campaigned in Dowagiac (438), Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, a former state legislator (369) and state Sen. Tom George (98).

Cass Democrats were casting ballots more frequently for House Speaker Andy Dillon (454) than Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero (339) on their side of the ballot.