“The only thing I’m looking forward to as much as the Election these days is the start of the NFL season,” said Cox.  “Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Western Michigan University’s Tony Scheffler are giving Lions fans a reason to believe this year but if more than one of them is in the top ten on your fantasy draft board, you’re reaching.”

Cox’s Top 10 NFL Fantasy Draft Picks include:

10. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions—“Megatron is the top receiver on my board and only partially because I’m a Lions homer,” said Cox.  “With Stafford’s development, I expect a break-out year for Johnson.”

1. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams—“Never seems to matter how poor the team around him is, if he’s healthy Jackson produces.”
2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots—“The last time fans expected this little from Tom Brady he launched the most dominant sports dynasty of the last decade.  He’s healthy again and with more tools around him this time.  Look out for the man from Michigan.”
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars—“Jones-Drew proves the experts wrong every year.  Tough guy with a nose for the end zone.”
4. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers—“Gore was the 49ers offense for years.  He needs to stay healthy.”
5. Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons—“A consistent producer and a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball, from the goal line or mid-field.”
6. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints—“Purdue’s short giant is doing the same thing to NFL record books he did to the Big Ten’s.”
7. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens—“If Anquan Boldin didn’t move to Baltimore, Rice may have been my number one pick.  The competition for yards and TDs from the WR slot drops him a couple slots.”
8. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings—“If Peterson hangs onto the ball this year he could be the top running back in fantasy leagues across the country.”
9. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans—“Johnson still isn’t happy with his contract but he reported to camp on time and in great shape.  Defensive backfields across the AFC should be prepared to chase Johnson all over the field.

Cox’s picks are based on standard fantasy scoring in leagues with one starting quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker and one team defense.

For more information on Mike Cox’s campaign for Governor, please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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“Mike Cox is fighting to cut government spending, cut taxes and protect the Constitution.   Meanwhile, Pete Hoekstra voted to increase spending by over a trillion dollars, opposed legislation to make it harder for illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, and supports increases in the sales tax ,” said Mike Cox 2010 Campaign Manager Stu Sandler.

In addition to skipping key votes that could have helped kill the unconstitutional federal health care takeover, Hoekstra voted to make it easier for illegal immigrants to obtain drivers licenses.  Cox is challenging ObamaCare in court and has led a coalition of states, challenging President Obama to defend Arizona’s common-sense illegal immigration crackdown.

While Hoekstra has supported an increase in the sales tax and an expansion of the sales tax to services, Cox has adamantly opposed the scheme.  Cox was the first candidate for governor to take the Americans for Tax Reform’s no-tax pledge and has a plan to cut taxes on Michigan job makers and families by $2 billion.

“The last thing Michigan residents need from Lansing is a new sales tax on services like haircuts, dry-cleaning and childcare,” said Cox.  “Instead of finding devastating new ways to take more money from job makers and families, its time Lansing learned to live within its means.  That’s why my plan contains $4 billion in specific spending cuts I will make as governor.”

For more information on Mike Cox’s campaign for Governor or to view the television commercial, please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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“Supporters of gun rights across Michigan have one choice for governor; Mike Cox.” said Michigan Gun Owners PAC Member Rick Buckner.

 Michigan Gun Owners PAC exists to promote the concerns of Second Amendment supporters across the state.  Mike Cox is the candidate best suited to protect these rights and defend the Constitution, according to their endorsement letter.

“I have met with Mike Cox on many occasions and his fight to defend our Second Amendment rights and concern for the welfare of our natural resources is second to none,” Michigan Gun Owners PAC Chairman Mike Thiede said in making the endorsement. 

 “As a Marine, prosecutor and Michigan’s Attorney General I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will continue to defend our gun rights as governor,” Cox said recently.  “I am honored to stand side-by-side with Michigan Gun Owners, pro-2^nd Amendment leaders, activists and voters in the fight to protect the right to keep and bear arms.”

Cox earlier this month also received the only gubernatorial endorsement of Gun Owners of America and the Michigan-based Shooters Alliance for Firearm Rights (SAFR-PAC).  Cox has twice been endorsed by the National Rifle Association.  While some of Cox’s opponents have opposed CCW reciprocity and supported the DC handgun ban, Cox has been a staunch supporter of the 2^nd Amendment.

Mike Cox last month praised a ruling by the United States Supreme Court that agreed with an Amicus Brief filed by the Michigan Attorney General, upheld the Second Amendment to the Constitution and put an end to a local handgun ban in the city of Chicago.

Cox last year joined Attorneys General from 37 other states in filing an amicus brief to McDonald v. Chicago, and one in support of the NRA in a related case, National Rifle Association v. City of Chicago. The briefs urged the Court to strike down the controversial weapons ban.

“The Constitution protects the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and government must not infringe on that right,” said Cox. 

Cox is a leader in the fight to protect the 2^nd Amendment, previously signing two amicus briefs supporting the right of citizens to keep and bear arms in District of Columbia v. Heller. On June 26, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the District of Columbia’s gun ordinance in that case. Cox’s efforts to protect gun rights also resulted in more states recognizing Michigan-issued concealed weapons (CCW) permits. When Cox took office in 2003, only eight states recognized Michigan-issued CCW permits. Today, 36 states recognize Michigan issued CCW permits.

Mike Cox is also the only candidate for governor endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.  For more information on Cox’s campaign for Governor please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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LIVONIA, MI— The Mike Cox 2010 Campaign today released a new radio advertisement featuring Mike Huckabee.  One of America’s most respected conservative leaders and a former Presidential candidate, Huckabee recently endorsed Mike Cox in the 2010 race for Governor.

“When our conservative values have been threatened, Mike Cox has always had the courage to fight back,” Huckabee says on the radio spot.  “As Michigan’s pro-life Attorney General, Mike Cox has consistently defended the unborn, and that’s why Mike Cox is the only candidate for governor endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan.

“Now Mike Cox is standing up to the liberals in Washington, leading the fight against ObamaCare and taxpayer funded abortions.  That’s why I’m proudly endorsing Mike Cox for Governor.”

Michigan’s pro-life Attorney General, Cox has consistently defended the unborn.  In 2007 Cox went all the way to the United States Supreme Court to defend Michigan’s law prohibiting partial birth abortion and earlier this year led the legal challenge to overturn ObamaCare, an unconstitutional federal government health care takeover that permits taxpayer funding for abortions.

“Mike Huckabee is one of our nation’s most respected leaders,” said Cox. “Mike Huckabee is fighting for life, more liberty and less government. I am proud to have his support and am honored he is standing beside me as we fight to protect the unborn and to bring jobs back to Michigan.”

Mike Cox is the only candidate for governor endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Gun Owners of America.

“The years ahead will bring us new opportunities to defend the civil rights of the unborn, handicapped and elderly frail,” Right to Life President Barb Listing and PAC Chairman Paul Miller said recently when endorsing Cox.  “Mike Cox’s support and leadership will be absolutely essential in restoring the basic right to life to the most helpless members of our human family.”

For more information on Mike Cox’s campaign for Governor or to listen to Mike Huckabee’s radio ad, please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at 734-525-5035.

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About Gov. Mike Huckabee: Prior to his 2008 presidential campaign, Huckabee served as the 44th Governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007 and as the state’s lieutenant governor from 1993-1996. As a young adult, he served as a pastor and denominational leader. He became the youngest president ever of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, the largest denomination in Arkansas. Huckabee’s efforts to improve his own health have received national attention. He is the author of 6 books, the most recent being “Do the Right Thing,” which spent its first 7 weeks of release in the top ten of the New York Times Bestseller list. He is currently the host of the top rated weekend hit “HUCKABEE” on the Fox News Channel, and is heard three times daily across the nation on the “Huckabee Report.” Huckabee and his wife, Janet, live in North Little Rock, Arkansas. They have three grown children: John Mark, David and Sarah.

“True justice requires that we recognize, protect and defend every human life, from conception to natural death,” said Cox.  “I am proud to be the only candidate endorsed by Right to Life and to stand with families across the State who are providing a voice for the voiceless and defending the unborn.”

Michigan’s pro-life Attorney General, Cox has consistently defended the unborn.  In 2007 Cox went all the way to the United States Supreme Court to defend Michigan’s law prohibiting partial birth abortion and earlier this year led the legal challenge to overturn ObamaCare, an unconstitutional federal government health care takeover that permits taxpayer funding for abortions.

 “The years ahead will bring us new opportunities to defend the civil rights of the unborn, handicapped and elderly frail,” Right to Life President Barb Listing and PAC Chairman Paul Miller said recently when endorsing Cox.  “Mike Cox’s support and leadership will be absolutely essential in restoring the basic right to life to the most helpless members of our human family.”

Right to Life of Michigan (RLM) is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian, nonprofit organization of diverse and caring people united to protect the precious gift of human life from fertilization to natural death. 

While Cox continues to champion the cause of Life, Congressman Pete Hoekstra recently skipped a series of key votes on legislation that Hoekstra himself declares in campaign literature would have helped prevent taxpayer funded abortion.  The Congressman chose instead of voting to attend campaign events. 

An examination of the Congressional Record indicates Hoekstra has skipped 304 votes since the start of 2010, including 66 of 78 cast in June and every Roll Call vote cast thus far in the month of July.  Hoekstra has skipped over 70 percent of his votes in 2010 and 88 percent of the votes taken since the beginning of June, including the key votes against ObamaCare and taxpayer funded abortions.  This in spite of a report by the Austin American-Statesman that Hoekstra was once “obsessed with absenteeism” and led a task force that recommended members of Congress return their pay for each day they miss a vote. 

Hoekstra skipped votes to prevent Democrats from using the controversial “Deem and Pass” method to approve ObamaCare and to strip the individual mandate from ObamaCare, a move that would have crippled the entire bill. 

A recent piece of Hoekstra campaign literature claims the Congressman “led the fight against ObamaCare,” before claiming that “ObamaCare (is) the greatest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade.”

“Mike Cox is a consistent champion for the unborn and the only candidate endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan,” said Mike Cox 2010 Spokesman Nick De Leeuw.  “Cox continues to lead the fight against ObamaCare and taxpayer funded abortion since Hoekstra twice could not be bothered to cast a vote to help stop the unconstitutional bill.”

For more information on Mike Cox’s campaign for Governor or to view the television commercial, please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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“As a Marine, prosecutor and Michigan’s Attorney General I have fought to keep our streets safe and I will continue to defend Michigan families as governor.  I am honored to stand side-by-side with the Wayne County Chiefs of Police and the men and women on the front lines protecting our neighborhoods.”

The Wayne County Association of Chiefs of Police is an organization representing Chiefs of Police from cities across Michigan’s most populous county who know firsthand the importance of having a tough-on-crime partner in the governor’s office. 

“We are happy to announce that upon recommendation of our Endorsement Committee the Wayne County Chiefs of Police endorse Mike Cox as our Republican candidate for Governor,” said Northville Police Chief and President of the Wayne County Chiefs Gary Goss.  “After years of diminished law enforcement resources and the State’s continued reduction of prison beds, we need someone like yourself that understands the threat to our communities and is willing to address it.”

            Mike Cox is standing up to Governor Granholm, opposing her early release program that threatens to set loose on our neighborhoods thousands of convicted felons before they have served their prison sentence.  Cox has also formed a special Parole Objection Task Force to assist local county prosecutors fighting the early release of dangerous criminals, including rapists and murderers, being paroled as a cost-cutting measure.

Additionally, since 2003, Cox has arrested 258 Internet sexual predators who sought to harm Michigan’s children.  Cox’s office is one of the most productive Internet predator units in the nation and has teamed up with local law enforcement agencies to conduct numerous undercover sting operations to keep Michigan kids safe.

Cox reinvigorated the Criminal Division of the Attorney General’s office, forming the Office of Special Investigation to investigate cold case homicides and prosecute public corruption cases.  The unit has cracked numerous cold case homicides, including the prosecution of serial killer Coral Watts, the Timothy Dawson case, the Janet Chandler case and the Deborah Boothby murder. 

            In addition to its work resolving cold cases, Cox’s Criminal Division also investigates and prosecutes public corruption cases.  Since its creation, the unit is responsible for more than 50 public corruption investigations, including cases involving embezzlement, misconduct in office, obstruction of justice and insurance fraud.

Prior to serving as Michigan’s Attorney General, Cox headed up the Wayne County Prosecutors Office’s homicide division. 

For more information on Cox’s campaign for Governor please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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LIVONIA, MI—Mike Cox today became the only candidate for governor in Michigan to receive the endorsement of the Gun Owners of America (GOA PVF), a leading national pro-2nd Amendment organization.

“Pro gun voters in Michigan have a champion in Mike Cox,” said GOA PVF Vice Chairman Tim Macy.  “Mike Cox earned gun owners respect and our endorsement by standing up time and again for gun owners rights before the United States Supreme Court and fighting to expand CCW reciprocity across the nation.  Mike Cox is Michigan’s best choice to effectively defend our 2^nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms and Gun Owners of America PVF is proud to endorse him in the race for governor.”

Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a national non-profit organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue.

“As a Marine, prosecutor and Michigan’s Attorney General I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will continue to defend our gun rights as governor,” said Cox.  “I am honored to stand side-by-side with Gun Owners of America, pro-2^nd Amendment leaders, activists and voters in the fight to protect the right to keep and bear arms.”

Cox earlier this week also received the gubernatorial endorsement of the Michigan-based Shooters Alliance for Firearm Rights (SAFR-PAC).  Cox has twice been endorsed by the National Rifle Association.  While some of Cox’s opponents have opposed CCW reciprocity and supported the DC handgun ban, Cox has been a staunch supporter of the 2^nd Amendment.

Mike Cox last month praised a ruling by the United States Supreme Court that agreed with an Amicus Brief filed by the Michigan Attorney General, upheld the Second Amendment to the Constitution and put an end to a local handgun ban in the city of Chicago.

Cox last year joined Attorneys General from 37 other states in filing an amicus brief to McDonald v. Chicago, and one in support of the NRA in a related case, National Rifle Association v. City of Chicago. The briefs urged the Court to strike down the controversial weapons ban.

“The Constitution protects the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and government must not infringe on that right,” said Cox. 

Cox is a leader in the fight to protect the 2^nd Amendment, previously signing two amicus briefs supporting the right of citizens to keep and bear arms in District of Columbia v. Heller. On June 26, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the District of Columbia’s gun ordinance in that case. Cox’s efforts to protect gun rights also resulted in more states recognizing Michigan-issued concealed weapons (CCW) permits. When Cox took office in 2003, only eight states recognized Michigan-issued CCW permits. Today, 36 states recognize Michigan issued CCW permits.

Mike Cox is also the only candidate for governor endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.  For more information on Cox’s campaign for Governor please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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Cox’s stand against Obama in defense of state sovereignty was also discussed by newspapers across the country including USA Today, as President Obama made his way Thursday to speak at an event in Holland, Michigan.

Voters across Michigan and across the nation this morning are responding to Cox’s stand against the President, posting over one-hundred individual “thank you” notes to Cox’s Facebook page in a matter of hours.

 “Everywhere I go across the state of Michigan, people are very worried about what’s going on in Arizona,” Cox told Van Susteren.  “The federal government is falling down on the job and Governor Brewer had to step up to attempt to fix a problem that the feds are supposed to be taking care of.  (Michigan is) a border state and people are concerned as they rightly should be.”

Mike Cox’s national TV interview with Fox News’s Van Sustren can be viewed at Cox’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/MikeCox2010.

“Arizona, Michigan and every other state have the authority to enforce immigration laws, and it is appalling to see President Obama use taxpayer dollars to stop a state’s efforts to protect its own borders,” Cox said recently.  “My mother was a legal immigrant who faithfully carried her green card with her for years before gaining citizenship – it certainly is not too much to ask legal immigrants to do the same today.” 

Cox yesterday announced that he has filed an amicus brief in federal court supporting Arizona’s common-sense immigration law against a lawsuit filed by the Obama administration.  Michigan is the lead state backing Arizona before the court and is joined by eight states, and one U.S. Territory including: Florida, Alabama, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and the Northern Mariana Islands.  

For more information on Mike Cox’s campaign for Governor, please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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LIVONIA, MI—Citizens for Traditional Values today formally endorsed Mike Cox in the 2010 race for Governor.

“CTV-PAC has been involved in Michigan politics since 1991, laboring to advance our guiding principles of Faith and Family, Sanctity of Life, Limited Government and Excellence in Education,” said CTV President James Muffet in a letter sent today to Cox.  “Thank you for your strong support for these values which are crucial to building strong families and promoting good government in Michigan.”

Last month Cox became the only candidate endorsed by Michigan Right to Life, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, 2006 GOP gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos and former Michigan Republican Party Chairman Betsy DeVos, Congressman Dave Camp and Congressman Thad McCotter.

“I am proud Citizens for Traditional Values is standing with me in the fight to improve education, to protect every human life—born and unborn—and to cut government spending,” said Cox.  “CTV’s guiding principles represent the foundation of a better Michigan.”

Cox shares CTV’s endorsement with Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and Congressman Pete Hoekstra.

Last September Cox unveiled a comprehensive 92 point plan to put Michigan back to work, including proposals to make the tough cuts, slashing $4 billion in wasteful spending and cutting taxes on job makers and families by $2 billion. 

For more information on Mike Cox’s campaign for Governor, please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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LANSING, MI— The Mike Cox 2010 campaign today unveiled its latest statewide television commercial, titled “The Mike Cox Plan.”

The advertisement, debuting across Michigan today on broadcast and cable television, highlights Mike Cox’s plan to cut wasteful government spending by $4 billion and to cut taxes on job makers and families by $2 billion.

“The Mike Cox Plan will restore jobs and put Michigan back in business, providing a better future for Michigan families,” the ad says.

Mike Cox is the only candidate willing to discuss real solutions to the real problems facing Michigan—out-of-control spending and taxes—and to lay out $4 billion in tough, specific state government spending cuts and $2 billion in tax cuts he will make as governor. 

“Michigan’s economy won’t turn the corner until state government finally tightens its belt the way families across the state have been tightening theirs,” said Cox.  “Cutting wasteful government spending and cutting taxes will be my first priority as governor so entrepreneurs and working families can keep more of their hard earned tax dollars and use them to create jobs and grow the economy.”

As Attorney General, Cox has demonstrated his ability to do more with less.  Cox has made the tough choices, cutting spending across his department, from closing offices to slashing printing budgets.  Cox has also battled to prevent recent pay increases for state employees at a time when many Michigan families are dealing with pay cuts or layoffs.  Additionally, Cox gave back 5 percent of his own pay.

For more information on Mike Cox’s campaign for Governor, to review his 92-point plan or to view the new television commercial, please visit www.mikecox2010.com or call the campaign office today at (734) 525-5035.

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