Bill Kelly (politician)

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William (Bill) Edward Kelly III, was the Republican candidate for Michigan House of Representatives in the 49th district [1][2] in 2006. He suffered a defeat at the hands of incumbent Lee Gonzales (D-Flint). Final total was Kelly 24.6%, Gonzales 74.9%.^[1]

Despite losing by a wide margin, Kelly became known as a fighter for the underdog and a consensus builder.^{[citation needed]} He was asked to challenge Dick Devos for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2006, but declined citing financial concerns as was reported in MIRS news.^{[citation needed]} In April 2007, Kelly announced his intention to run for US House of Representatives - Michigan's 5th district against Dale Kildee (D-Flint). He has since been identified as an important player in Michigan Republican presidential politics after changing his presidential endorsement of US Senator John McCain to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. ^[2]^[3] Kelly dropped out in his bid for congress, deciding instead to focus on his professional career.

He is a resident of Flint Township. Bill Kelly was elected at the February 2007 Michigan Republican State Convention to serve a two year term as a member of the elite Michigan Republican State Committee where he is expected to represent the concerns of working-class Republicans. He has held a variety of leadership positions with the College Republicans, Young Republicans, and state Michigan Republican Party as well as a statutory member of the Genesee County Republican Party. Bill was elected treasurer of the Michigan Republican Party's 5th district in 2003. He has also served as a Genesee County delegate, State delegate, and precinct delegate.

Kelly has a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of Michigan - Flint . While attending The University of Michigan-Flint, he was a contributor to the student newspaper, The Michigan Times . He currently works as an accountant and is preparing for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Kelly is enrolled at Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business' Masters of Business Administration program. He also serves as a representative of the Graduate Students Advisory Committee (GSAC) as well as a senator in the Western Students Association (WSA).

Bill has a Jack Russell Terrier named Eddie, born on August 19, 2003. Eddie Kelly is a tri-colored (brown, white and black) short-haired type of his breed.

Bill Kelly is also known to others by the moniker of Dr. Kelly.