The Stabenow Surprise

In Washington D.C., Republicans are a hot mess – with two former Michigan congressmen waiting in the wings as a possible solution. In Michigan – a political shocker. Even as Democrats take full control of state government, Senator Debbie Stabenow drops a political bombshell. Michigan politics has been upended by the decision of Senator Stabenow to end a half-century of public service to, in her words, “I intend to begin a new chapter in my life that includes continuing to serve our State outside of elected office while spending precious time with my amazing 96-year-old mom and my wonderful family.” The Michigan inauguration on January 1 not only launched the Democratic trifecta in Michigan State government, it cemented the prominence of women and minority group members in all the centers of political power within state government. Women are now Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Senate Majority Leader, Chief Justice, House Speaker Pro Tem, and chairs of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committee. Two more top leaders — the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House — are African Americans, and the two Majority Floor leaders are am Indian-American and Middle East-American. Add to that: eight of Michigan’s 13 members of Congress are women! In other political news over the last week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sworn in for second term: 8 issues to watch in 2023 in Michigan | Bridge Michigan Whitmer pledges gun control, relief for seniors, in 2nd inaugural speech Gretchen Whitmer won’t boost gas taxes. But maybe a mileage tax for roads? | Bridge Michigan Livengood: Michigan Legislature’s term limits experiment begins anew Michigan Supreme Court picks Clement as Chief Justice for full term Meet Michigan’s new lawmakers: They’re younger, more educated, less diverse | Bridge Michigan Hey Michigan Dems: Here are four ways to score bipartisan wins this year | Bridge Michigan Whitmer’s husband, Marc Mallory, retired from dentistry after threats Finley: Fred Upton finds House speaker suggestion ‘intriguing’ Former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash tweets outside bid for House speaker Amash at Capitol to pitch himself as ‘nonpartisan’ speaker amid tumult All but two McCarthy defectors in House are election deniers – The Washington Post Lavora Barnes seeks reelection as leader of Michigan Democratic Party ‘To Hell with It’: A GOP Congressman <Peter Meijer> Reflects on His One Term in Trump’s Party – POLITICO Charlie Kirk delivers a warning to the RNC, and sparks a backlash – The Washington Post New Ottawa County board ends racial diversity office, hires John Gibbs | Bridge Michigan Feds assisting probe of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield | Bridge Michigan Insider: House Dem leader says Chatfield ethics review still needed The Michigan lawyer pushing Trump’s voter-fraud fictions in U.S. court Michigan evaded election chaos in midterm Testimony of former MI GOP chair Laura Cox to Jan 6 committee Colleen House, GOP activist and first wife of John Engler, dies at 70 Art in the U.S. Capitol honors 141 enslavers and 13 Confederates – Washington Post MI Legislature approves resolution to replace Lewis Cass statue in US Capitol; =========================== This week’s podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals – Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals – Issue Advocacy Research • Community – Media Relations • Issue – Image Management • Database Development & List Management