In the years leading up to the 2010 election, it was a given that Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s No. 2 would be the Democrats’ nominee to succeed her. But after struggling with fundraising (or at least keeping what he raised in the bank) and being dogged by the increasing possibility of a contested primary, Cherry folded his campaign.

At first blush, Calley looks far better positioned to follow in the footsteps of his boss, Gov. Rick Snyder. The governor has tasked him with leading high-profile priorities like cutting business taxes (a big winner with the GOP donor base), but has also given Calley the freedom to pursue his own agenda, like improving mental health care. The LG is a staple at news conferences and bill signings, signifying his status as a true partner with Snyder.

That’s more than the long-suffering Cherry was ever allowed, as Granholm’s star power eclipsed him time and time again. Many voters had no idea who Cherry was, despite his decades of public service.