Tuesday was a big day for the future of local and Michigan government with key primary elections. In the governor race, Virg Bernero easily knocked off Andy Dillon to earn the Democratic nomination.

In the Republican race, Rick Snyder held a strong lead at press time with 37 percent of the vote at press time with Pete Hoekstra in a distant second with 26 percent.

Facing competition for the first time in eight years, 12-term incumbent Fred Upton looked to be on his way to winning the Republican primary for the District 6 U.S. representative. He led Kalamazoo challenger Jack Hoogendyk with 57 percent of the vote with 66 percent of precincts reporting at press time.

In the 21st District state senator race, John Proos earned a decisive victory over Niles resident and former Indiana State Trooper Todd Griffee. He held a 75 percent to 25 percent advantage with 76 percent of precincts reporting at press time.

Governor

Mike Bouchard — 426

Mike Cox — 1084

Tom George — 114

Pete Hoekstra — 1629

Rick Snyder — 527

VirgBernero — 426

Andy Dillon — 545

Representative in Congress 6th District

Jack Hoogendyk — 1847

Fred Upton — 2035

Don Cooney — 914

State Senator 21st District

Todd J.Griffee — 1196

John Proos — 2440

Scott Elliott — 905

State Representative 59th District

Matt Lori — 2290

Carol Higgins — 601

State Representative 78th District

Sharon Tyler — 1142

Cindy Ellis — 301