I returned from Washington, D.C., on Sunday.

I was out there for the Conservative Political Action Conference, which brings together activists and leaders from the conservative movement. It was an opportunity to get-together with friends, former colleagues and movers-and-shakers in conservative and Republican Party circles.

I really enjoyed my time bowling with former Governor Mitt Romney and his surprise guest, U.S. Senator Scott Brown.

And at CPAC, I ran into former Michigan Republican Party chairman Saul Anuzis, who has endorsed my campaign. By the way, I think it’s safe to say that many wish Saul was still state chairman or even RNC chairman.

I also enjoyed meeting with Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia, Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, political pundit and Michigan native Michael Barone, and so many others over the three-day conference.

It was great to feel the energy of the movement. Speakers like Glenn Beck and former Florida State House Speaker Marco Rubio, who is running for the U.S. Senate, were amazing and really exemplified the loyal opposition.

When I was speaking with folks in Washington and at CPAC, everyone asked me what’s going on in Michigan. They couldn’t believe what they’ve read — they wanted to know how bad the situation is and who are the leading candidates for governor to fix the mess.

I explained that things are indeed bad.

We’ve lost one family every 12 minutes and over 20,000 K-12 students will leave Michigan before this school year ends.

Sadly, both Republicans and Democrats have made Lansing unworkable. The partisan charade has crippled Michigan, and the people have voted with their feet by packing up and leaving in droves. 

Our great state needs a new generation of leaders.

That’s why I’m running.

Michigan cannot afford to continue waving goodbye to her future.