From The Detroit News:
Public officials convicted of felonies related to their government jobs would be banned from seeking public office for 20 years under a proposal moving through the Legislature.
The Senate approved the proposed constitutional amendment by a 35-0 vote. If approved by at least two-thirds of the members in the state House, the proposal would go on the statewide November ballot for voters to decide. http://www.detnews.com/article/20100610/POLITICS02/6100457/1024/POLITICS03/State-proposal-would-crack-down-on-felon-politicians#ixzz0qYYISDS8
This is a great start for the citizens of Michigan. WalMart applicant's background will be fact-checked and scrutinized more thoroughly than the candidates for public office in the Detroit metro area.

The low level of standards exhibited by the backgrounds of elected officials in the city of Detroit is hurting our community and state. No one who has committed a felony should be allowed to run for public office. That is one of the rights you give up when you make a choice between obeying the law and breaking it. Felons can be rehabilitated but the consequence for committing a felony should include barring them from seeking a public office.

Deadbeat candidates -- Why are we electing people who fail at managing their personal finances and/or business interests? Our elected officials are responsible for our budget and disbursement of funds. The people who make unwise financial decisions for themselves and/or business cannot be trusted with public funds. Doesn’t mean they are bad people. Just means public office is not suitable for them.
Elected officials raise money from sources that influence their service. Who contributes what can give us a lot of insight about which team your candidate is really fighting for.

Candidates who really just need a job with benefits -- their career goal is to go from one office to the other. Easy work if you can get it! What has the candidate you vote for done in the private sector? What experiences and choices has your candidate demonstrated that would qualify him or her as a public servant? It’s our job the make sure we support the candidate with the most responsible, ethical and honest background. We cannot continue to trust what they tell us because they start lying to us before they are elected. Research your candidates before you vote and share your information with your community.

Google them
http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en

Follow the money
http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/state_candidates.phtml?s=MI&y=2008

Michigan Campaign Finance Database
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633_8723_8751---,00.html

2010 Official Michigan Primary Candidate Listing
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/candlist/10PRI/10PRI_CL.HTM

Wayne County Register of Deeds. Real estate information, liens from creditors, judgments
http://www.waynecountylandrecords.com/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx

OTIS
http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2.html