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Michigan Matters: Verbal Volleys Fly Over Education Spending Under Snyder

(CBS Detroit) - It was fireworks as Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Lon Johnson and former Michigan GOP Chair Saul Anuzis exchanged heated words over the topic of proposed education cutbacks in the state under first term Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder as the conversation on "Michigan Matters" dissected the final hours of the primary which takes place Tuesday.

Tuesday's election will then tee it up for the general election which will conclude in early November.

Johnson talked about $1 billion in proposed cutbacks in education under the Snyder administration, which Anuzis challenged, charging the figures simply weren't true.

Chris Holman, CEO of Michigan Business Network, also appeared on the show with host Carol Cain and talked about the business climate in Michigan. Along with the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, Holman's organization puts out the Michigan Futures Business Index of 600 businesses and what they had to say about conditions.

Among their concerns -- the ongoing talent gap and healthcare costs. But more firms said things are looking up and they planned to add jobs, Holman added.

Speaking of jobs, there are 148 open legislative seats in Michigan this year as well as a red hot governor's race between Snyder and Democratic challenger Mark Schauer and U.S. Senate race between former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Cong. Gary Peters to replace retiring Carl Levin.

Numerous local races will be decided Tuesday with several congressional races across the state gaining attention.

Also Tuesday, there are 11 Democratic candidates in the Wayne County Executive race vying to move on to the general election in November. Incumbent Robert Ficano is facing challengers including Bill Wild, Sheriff Warren Evans and Phil Cavanaugh.

Debbie Dingell, who is vying to replace her husband, Democratic Cong. John Dingell, the longest serving congressman in U.S. history, is as close to a shoe in as there with over 100 endorsements.

Find out what else the Michigan Matters roundtable had to say about President Barack Obama's role in Michigan's election and Proposal 1 which deals with the state's personal property tax and will be decided on Tuesday.

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Watch Michigan Matters 11:30 a.m. only on CBS 62.

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