DETROIT – While saying the state has to vote for a change of leadership, former Governor John Engler said in several radio interviews that state government and Gov. Jennifer Granholm could not have blocked much of what happened to the state during the economic downturn.

But he also said the state and the United States has to develop a growth strategy to help promote U.S. business activity against its worldwide competitors.

Engler also put to rest the far-fetched speculation that he was contemplating running against U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) in 2012.

Engler was interviewed twice on WJR-AM in Detroit, on Monday and Wednesday, first by Frank Beckmann and then with Paul W. Smith. He was interviewed in advance of the Michigan Political Leadership Program dinner on Thursday in Livonia and the MPLP breakfast Friday in Grand Rapids. Mr. Engler will share the stage with former Governor James Blanchard.

Given the economic situation the state has confronted, Engler said in the interview with Smith that “a lot is not directly the result or able to be influenced by a governor.”

He did not refer to Granholm by name in the reference.

And his comments follow those of a number of economists who said state policy could not have much if any effect on a systemic economic meltdown such as what occurred in 2008 and 2009.

But Engler also was plain with both Smith and Beckmann that from his point of view, now as president of the National Association of Manufacturers, that the state has to take actions to help boost itself economically. That starts with its tax and business climate, he said.

He also said, however, that the United States as a whole has to be more growth oriented, focusing on taxes and regulations but also looking at education.

The United States is still the largest manufacturing country in the world, he said, but it is in major competition with China, Singapore, Ireland and other nations who are taking a more pro-growth attitude in governmental policies.

Politically, Engler was asked if he would run for any other office and he said there was nothing for him to run for. He was not interested in going through the seniority system that stifles some action in Congress.

There has been some speculation that Engler might run against U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) in 2012.

He did say that he and his family are looking to buy a cottage in the state.

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