Stabenow Shakeup.High Court Controversy: Michigan Politics Week

🥳 Have a nice Sunday! New year, the same authoritative weekly recap from the MLive political team.

Today’s newsletter is about 1,100 words. 6 minute read That way, you can keep your New Year’s resolutions.

The most powerful US Senator in Washington, Michigan. Debbie Stabenowbig news with greater implications, not running for re-election in 2024.

🗣️”Inspired by a new generation of leaders, I have decided to pass the torch in the United States Senate,” she announced Thursday.

of 72 year old Democrat He has worked in local, state and national government offices for nearly 50 years. In 2000, Stabenow was a Michigan first lady elected to the Senate.

• Stabenow chair Senate AG Committee It has impacted agriculture, automobiles, manufacturing policy, and mental health care.

she still has big plans About his last two years in office, Stabenow told MLive’s Simon Schuster.

• “Our farmers are being hit hardest by the climate crisis.” she said“So the work we’re already doing … really needs to be expanded.”

▶️ Departure of Stevenow begins A game of musical chairs that brings up at least a dozen names of politicians who could fill the primary vote for next year.

• Democratic Rep. Lansing. Elissa Slotkin takes it seriously Ran, Simon reports.
• and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon and Kevin Linke Consider Runningadds Simon.

Governor Gretchen WhitmerU.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Congressman Flint Dan Kildee Said they are not running.

➕ Further details: US Senator Debbie Stavenau aims to finish her final term strong

Story of the entrance. in a day, New Ottawa County Commissioner – With the help of a group of conservative activists – remade the county government.

⏩ catch up: in November, 9 candidates Approved by Ottawa Impactgroup born out of conservative opposition to pandemic health mandate wins seat in Ottawa County 11 people Committee.

At the first meeting of the new board Tuesday, these commissioners made major changes. More from Michael Kransz on MLive:

• they replaced the county administrator Former West Michigan Republican congressional candidate John Gibbs.
• they replaced the county health chief When Nate Kellyan HVAC technician who has been against masking and social distancing to stop COVID-19.
• they replaced the county attorney When Karman Legal Groupa company known for championing conservative causes.

🗣️ “Today, we took the necessary steps to align Ottawa County leadership with the priorities of our people,” said the board chairman. Joe Moss.

Commissioner too discontinued the Ottawa County Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and changed its motto from ‘Your Place’ to ‘Circle of Freedom’.

• The Last Motto Propelled “Divisive Marxist Ideology” By resolution of the Commissioner.

🗣️ “It’s great to hear all the support from people across the county who are as shocked as I am – shocked and appalled,” said moderate commissioner Roger Bergman.

What’s next: movement of the board that is under review Michigan’s Attorney General, MLive’s John Tunison, has reported possible violations of the Open Meeting Act.

• of state health department MLive’s Audra Gamble explains that they’re also reviewing Kelly’s credentials.

➕ Further details: Most Proud to Fire Ottawa County Administrators and Work with ‘Unsung Heroes’

of michigan state legislature – now controlled by the Democratic Party – will begin work on Wednesday. Here’s what to expect.

This year is not an election year. Other session dates in calendarreported by Jordyn Hermani of MLive.

• A meeting of parliamentarians is scheduled 110 times,from 86 days last year.

🗣️ “We know there are many things that the majority of Michigans want us to do and want to do. Abraham AiyashD- Hamtramach.

• “…we need to take advantage of this moment to do as much as we can.”

We’ve covered the Democratic Party’s liberal agenda before, but what do people say Should parliamentarians have priority?

• almost 31%according to a recent poll, top priority We need to “improve Michigan’s economy and reduce the high cost of living,” Jordin wrote.
• 55% support A crackdown on tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.
• is more than 80% support More money for schools, roads and infrastructure.

🗂️SOMETHING TO DO To implement three constitutional amendments approved by voters in November, writes MLive’s Alyssa Burr.

• Suggestion 1: Legislators must pass laws requiring Personal financial disclosure For state elected officials.
• Suggestion 2: Election changes that require new laws include: 9 days early voting.

Suggestion 3: New Constitutional Rights in Michigan abortion Senate Majority Leader must confront ‘lawsuit scrutiny’ Winnie BrinksD-Grand Rapids told Alyssa.

• i.e. parliamentarian may address or edit conflicting laws, such as 24-hour waiting periods and parental consent requirements.
• Expected to be abolished Regarding Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban, Brinks added.

➕ more perspectives From Republican leaders and gun rights advocates.

new year in Michigan Supreme Court The week started with a rare altercation between two Democratic judges.

newly appointed judge Keira Harris Bolden hired ex-convict pete martel He worked as a judicial scrivener, but resigned just hours after becoming Attorney General. Richard Bernstein quoted in detroit news MLive’s Matt Miller reports that he said he was “totally disgusted” by the hiring.

⏩ catch up: Martel was robbed convenience store and had a shootout with the police About 30 years ago. He spent 14 years in prison.

• afterwards, Martel earned a law degree, worked for the Michigan Criminal Defense Department and received a Ph.D. Program at U-of-M.

🗣️ “Is this perceived or real?” Bernstein told Matt“Is it fair to the police and prosecutors that one of the key persons who would play a key role in that decision, in this situation the clerk, was involved in a shootout with the police?”

Bolden accepted Martel’s resignation stated:

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson On Friday, he received a presidential medal for “exemplary public service in promoting free and fair elections.”

president Joe Biden to her, other officials, election officials, and police officers presidential citizen medalthe nation’s second-highest civilian honor.

• Ceremony held to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the opening January 6 U.S. Capitol Riot.

benson Upheld voting rights and fair countingBiden said he would lead Michigan through lies about stolen elections.

• she was “Don’t flinch, don’t flinch” Despite the threats, Biden recalled including an angry mob that had gathered outside her home.

“But she didn’t back down.” Biden said“She did her duty. She kept her oath. Full of integrity, she is a true leader of our country.”

➕ More news for January 6th: AG Nessel reopens Michigan election fraud investigation

5 stories from our team:

🐘 Blame Trump for Election Loss

👔 Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Not Responding to Pandemic Claims, Finds Audit

📬 How to double your chances of getting into the University of Michigan

⚛️ Michigan investigates whether state should have more nuclear plants

💬 Gov. Whitmer’s fifth state is scheduled for Jan. 25