Bruce Patterson

Bruce Patterson was a Republican member of the Michigan State Senate from 2003 to January 1, 2011. Due to Michigan term limits, Senator Patterson did not run for re-election in the Michigan State Senate elections of 2010. ^[1]

Patterson explored a run for Attorney General of Michigan in the 2010 election.^[2] He later suspended his campaign.^[3]

Before becoming a Senator, Patterson served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. When in the Michigan House, Patterson served as the Majority Leader and Speaker Pro Tempore when Republicans had control of the House at that time. Patterson also served on the Wayne County Commission from 1995 to 1998.

Patterson graduated from Wayne State with his Bachelor's degree in 1969 and his Juris Doctor degree in 1972. In addition to being a full-time Senator, Patterson is a practicing Attorney and also is a Mediator/Arbitrator.

Policy positions

On May 11, 2010, Patterson proposed legislation that would require the Michigan state government to license reporters. Patterson told Fox News that "some reporters covering state politics don't know what they're talking about" and they're working for publications he hasn't heard of, even though "Legitimate media sources are critically important to our government. We have to be able to get good information. We have to be able to rely on the source and to understand the credentials of the source."^[4]

Patterson, arguing for his proposal that would create a government-sponsored database of reporters, said:

"What’s the definition of a reporter? I haven’t been able to find out? What’s a reporter? What’s a journalist? I thought you had to have a degree in journalism but apparently not. I could retire and be a journalist."^[4]

Committee assignments

Patterson served on these committees:

• Energy Policy and Public Utilities (Chair)
• Health Policy
• Judiciary
• Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs^[5].

District 7

Patterson represented Michigan Senate District 7. District 7 includes the West Detroit suburbs of Belleville, Canton, Northville, and Plymouth^[6].

Elections

2010

Patterson was not eligible for re-election due to Michigan's term limits. Instead, he explored a run for Attorney General of Michigan in the 2010 election, but later withdrew from the race.^[7][8]

2006

On November 7, 2006, Patterson ran for District 7 of the Michigan State Senate, beating Mark Slavens.^[9]

Patterson raised $354,673 for his campaign.^[10]

Michigan State Senate, District 7
Candidates	Votes
Bruce Patterson (R)	59,647
Mark Slavens (D)	56,156

Campaign finance summary

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Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.

Bruce is married to Phyllis Patterson. They have three children and reside in Canton, Michigan.

See also

• Michigan Attorney General election, 2010
• Attorney General of Michigan

External links

• Campaign Contributions: 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998

Footnotes

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