(Battle Creek, MI)  --  Former Congressman and state Senator Joe Schwarz will run for governor as an independent.  He told the "Detroit Free Press" more leadership is needed to get past the, quote, "blind partisanship in Lansing" which he said is hurting the state.  The 72-year-old political moderate served on term in Congress as a Republican representing the Battle Creek area before being upset by conservative opponent Tim Walberg.  Other top candidates seeking to replace Governor Granholm include Democrats Andy Dillon and Virg Bernero along with Republicans Peter Hoekstra, Mike Cox, Michael Bouchard and Rick Snyder. 

-Metro Source