by Jonathan Hiskes. Michigan gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder is an unusual Republican. In a year when Tea Party fervor has propelled fire-breathing extremists onto ballots around the country, Snyder comes across as a moderate, sensible Republican with crossover appeal. He’s a high-tech venture capitalist and former president of the Gateway computer company who introduced himself to voters as “one tough nerd.” His platform calls for investing in mass transit and controlling sprawl as ways to restore Michigan’s central cities.

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