Analysis:

This channel 13 story just repeats what candidate Bowen said at his press conference. The state early in the story that "The Democrat says if elected he will better protect children from predators, those on the street and over the internet and he says he'll fight identity theft. Bowen says the incumbent, Republican Micheal Cox, failed voters during last year's gas scare." However, there is no verification of the claims made against current Attorney General Mike Cox, nor a clarification or follow up on how this candidate will "better protect children from predators." Bowen, as mentioned in the story is a former Grand Rapids City Commissioner and Wyoming District jusdge, therefore he has a voting record and record on legal decisions. Ask yourself if channel 13 had provided you with information on Bowen's previous record as an elected official or more details on his platform would be useful to voters?

Story:

WZZM 13 Newsreader - A former Grand Rapids City Commissioner and local judge is now seeking to become the state's top prosecutor. M. Scott Bowen announced his candidacy for State Attorney General this morning. The Democrat says if elected he will better protect children from predators, those on the street and over the internet and he says he'll fight identity theft. Bowen says the incumbent, Republican Micheal Cox, failed voters during last year's gas scare.

Candidate Bowen - When asked to investigate gas gougers in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina he said it was too hard to prove. Now mind you, anybody who bought gas after Katrina, could prove that they were getting gouged.

WZZM 13 Newsreader - Bowen is the second Democrat who has officially announced a run for Attorney General. State lawmaker Alexander Lipsey of Kalamazoo is also in the running. Detroit lawyers Jeffrey Feiger and Amos Williams said they are considering running. Attorney General Cox says it's too soon to think about Bowen or any other candidate.

Attorney General Mike Cox - It doesn't really matter to me. At the end of the day people are gonna look at what has he done on consumer protection, drug costs, protecting seniors, and quite frankly I won't know until
August who gets the nomination is. There are four people out there, we'll see who the Democrats pick.

WZZM 13 Newsreader - Bowen has had some private conversations, he says, with Governor Jennifer Granholm, who once held the Attorney General's office, but Governor Granholm will not comment on whether or not she will formally endorse Bowen.

Total Time: 1 minute and 31 seconds