Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley on the GOP Divide, Competition, and Detroit

On Division Within the GOP

"We need to be very careful not to be drawn into fights with people that really ought to be our friends," Calley said. "Sometimes people want to fight, but I don’t have to fight with them. I’m committed to putting real solutions on the table and taking stand even when it’s uncomfortable."

On Competition:

"Competition is OK. There are sometimes when competition comes from the left, or sometimes from the right. There are some times when it’s professional or real smashmouth-type competition, but we have to be really careful not to let it divide us."

On Gov. Snyder: 

"It may come as no surprise that Gov. Snyder and I do not agree on everything, . . . . but the thing is we’re still a team. And  think we need to be committed to that, across the Republican Party."

On Detroit:

"As we look at the issues we don’t want to be in there for any more time than we absolutely have to be. As soon as we can confidently leave, we can leave. Must do’s: Clearing up the debt, so that a portion of current revenues can  be used to pay for current services. Longer term, there has to be law and order, and a good education system.

No one’s going to live there if their kids aren’g going to get a good education and if it’s not safe. At least not anybody with opp. to provide any better."    

An Untold Story About Detroit: 

"The progress made thorugh the EAA (Education Achievement Authority) and in Detroit Public Schools. Don’t get me wrong, they have a long way to go, but for the first time in a long time the results we’re seeing . . . we’re seeing improvement."