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Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) appeared to be upward bound in his state party and perhaps national party as well (U.S. Sen. John McCain appeared with him at Boyne Mountain Resort in June 2006). So, the announcement to forego a run for a third term may have surprised some, but Elsenheimer said family responsibilities were a deciding factor.

"I love the Legislature and it's been an honor to serve northern Michigan in Lansing," Elsenheimer said. "I know that in the next term I probably would have been the Republican House leader."

But, when he heard that Court of Appeals Judge Bill Schuette was retiring, Elsenheimer knew the jurist position would allow more time with his family. It would also expand on his 15 years of practicing law, part of that time as an assistant prosecutor for Antrim County.

Elsenheimer still has his Bellaire law firm, Young, Graham & Elsenheimer, P.C., and said he will practice there again if he isn't elected to the Court of Appeals. In the meantime, he is collecting petition signatures to file his candidacy with the Michigan Secretary of State. The deadline for him to file is April 29. The deadline for legislator candidates to file nominating petitions is May 13.

Hayes Township resident Connie Saltonstall, 62, a Democrat, filed her campaign paperwork with the Michigan Secretary of State prior to Elsenheimer's announcement. She said she is undaunted by the number of candidates.

"I know my reasons for running and I'm confident that my positions will be positive solutions for the people of the 105th District," Saltonstall said.

Saltonstall is a retired teacher and is the founder and co-owner of a national media research company. She was a radio advertising executive and sales manager. She earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan.

She is chairperson of the Charlevoix County Democratic Party and a board member of the county's Commission on Aging. Other political experience includes county commission board member, Charlevoix Public Schools Board of Education member, service on the Michigan Association of School Boards Taxation Committee and volunteer work on various campaigns.

Saltonstall's volunteer activities include Hospice board member, Northern Community Mediation mediator and board member and Charlevoix Library Building Committee.

As a state legislator she said she will have the opportunity to improve the lives of the people in the 105th District.

"I believe that if you want a situation to improve, you have an obligation to become involved," Saltonstall said. "I am disappointed in the lack of positive action from the Legislature due to excessive partisan politics. Michigan needs legislators who are willing to work for the people and the economy of Michigan, not their political party or their own self-interest. I believe it is possible to create win-win solutions for the challenges facing our state."

Her professional experience involves leadership, communication and an understanding of finances, she said.

"As a trained, volunteer mediator, I understand the process of reaching agreements in difficult situations. As a former county commissioner, I understand the time commitment necessary," she said.

Improving the economy is paramount to voters this election year, especially in Michigan. Saltonstall believes Northern Michigan must increase promotion of the area to visitors.

"Other places in the country promote their locale, encouraging business development. I believe we need to do the same and create incentives for jobs and business to come to northern Michigan. At the same time we need to support existing business, agriculture and emerging green technologies," Saltonstall said.

Saltonstall may be contacted at 231-547-2138, website: www. conniesaltonstall.com, or e-mail: electconnie@charter.net.

Candidate Dennis Lennox, 24, of Topinabee in Cheboygan County is a Republican who has announced his run for the 105th District. He said he is a candidate "because it's time for someone with new ideas and a fresh perspective to take a seat at the table and get to work for northern Michigan."

Lennox includes in his political experience work he performed for President George W. Bush, Congressman David Camp, former Gov. Mitt Romney's presidential campaign and the state Senate.

"I know the decision-makers. I can begin working for northern Michigan on my first day. I won't need to take an orientation class," said Lennox.

In response to a question about steps he would take to improve the northern Michigan economy, Lennox said:

"I am the only candidate to sign Grover Norquist's Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to raise taxes. I have consistently opposed tax increases. I stood up when government tried levying a $400,000 tax without a vote of the people last year. If I'm sent to Lansing, I promise to oppose any and all tax increases. I also believe Michigan can be more business-friendly by implementing right-to-work laws, allowing job creators to compete with other states."

Lennox will represent the 31 counties in the 1st Congressional District at the Republican National Convention, he said.

"Locally, I serve as Young Republicans chairman for Cheboygan County and previously served as chairman of Citizens Against New Taxes. I have also represented the Republicans abroad, building important relationships with international allies and conservatives across the world," said Lennox.

His campaign website is: dennisfornorthernmichigan.com. His e-mail is: dennisfornorthernmichigan @ gmail.com., and his telephone number is: 989-205-0289.

Tim Boyko, 56, of Norwood said he will announce his candidacy for the Legislature's 105th District on Wednesday, April 9. The Republican, who is supervisor of Norwood Township, said it had been his plan for some time to run for the seat, but he thought it would be when Elsenheimer's term limits took effect in 2010.

Boyko said that he has been told that people are fed up with politicians who say anything to get elected. His goal is to be the "what you see is what you get" candidate.

"I hope voters get to see the real person behind every candidate," he said.

Past political experience includes his election as supervisor for Hayes Township and appointments to the Charlevoix County Road Commission, and the Hayes Township planning commission and its Zoning Board of Appeals.

More information about Boyko will follow his announcement. Candidate Ken Glasser, a Republican from Gaylord, did not respond prior to publication and information on his candidacy will be published when it becomes available.

John Ramsey, who owns a home in Charlevoix, is running for the seat for a second time. He was a 105th District candidate in 2004, when Elsenheimer won the election. Ramsey is establishing Michigan residency prior to his formal announcement and more information will be published when it becomes available.

B. J. Hetler may be reached at 231-622-2645 or at citizen@voyager.net