In order to continue to be led by values that best define southwest Michigan, we are fortunate to have an experienced, principled, hard-working replacement as our next State Senator, Representative Kim LaSata. As Senator John Proos completes his final term under term limits, I heartily endorse Representative Kim LaSata to fill his shoes and carry on his important work.

Kim currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee where she chairs the Higher Education Subcommittee. Among other notable initiatives, she has been the driving force behind recent reforms to help ensure the safety of Michigan students on our state’s college campuses. Kim is a pro-life, pro-second amendment legislator with a consistent, conservative voting record. She is highly respected by her House colleagues.

Before serving as state representative for northern Berrien County, Kim raised her four children along with husband Charlie LaSata on their farm where they grow grapes for the wine and juice industry. Kim has also been a fifth-grade teacher for over a decade at Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary School where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2015.

Kim is endorsed by all three County Sheriffs in the 21st senate district, The National Rifle Association, Michigan Right to Life, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan FOP, Michigan Association of Police Officers, Michigan Freedom Fund, and the Great Lakes Education Project. She has also received the Small Business Association Stamp of Approval.

I have been proud to serve as co-chair of her campaign along with Dr. David Mathews from Cass County and Senator Cameron Brown from St. Joseph County. We have known Kim for many years and have seen her passion and dedication to our area first hand. She will help continue to make southwest Michigan the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Please join us in voting for Kim LaSata to be our next State Senator in the Aug. 7 primary election.

Sheriff Paul Bailey

Berrien Center