Below are endorsements of some of our great candidates in Michigan this cycle. Dems are down in both chambers, but it'll only take four seats in each to flip them.
This state also has redistricting implications. Democrats could gain two more Congressional seats if we can ensure competitive districts. The only way to do that is to win at the state legislative level.
That's just one reason Democrats must win state legislatures to have long-term success.
For more about Michigan as a snapshot of the national redistricting battle, you can read this Washington Monthly article.
For State Senate, the
Free Press endorsed
Andy Levin, saying:
The energetic Levin is sharp on Michigan issues and utterly focused on forward progress, not the partisan gamesmanship that has dominated the Legislature in recent years. He has weathered some fierce and inaccurate attacks from Republicans, attempting to tar him as a carpetbagger from Washington and erroneously claiming he was a labor lobbyist who supports welfare for illegal immigrants.
Levin, a cancer survivor and father of four, has stuck to the issues -- education, affordable health care options and additional investments in emerging industries such as life sciences He also brings a firsthand understanding of globalization, having lived in India and traveled extensively in China, that would add some needed bigger-picture thinking to the Legislature.
The Free Press also endorsed:
Liz Brater, saying:
has been serving that city well for 18 years, first as city councilwoman, then mayor, state representative and now senator. She hopes to put all that experience to work in what would be her last legislative term due to term limits, and her 10 years in Lansing would make her a senior member of that body. Progressive and a good fit for her university town, Brater has grave concerns that Michigan's strict regulation of stem cell research is sending a message that this is a backward place, not one that embraces cutting-edge life sciences and technologies. She also believes that even in tight budget times such as these, government plays a key role in protecting its most vulnerable citizens, who will need advocates such as Brater.
Donna Anderson, saying, "Anderson has the knowledge and energy to help get Michigan headed in the right direction." (You can read Donna's blog here.)
And Carl Williams for a district that is facing hard times because of layoffs at GM and Delphi, where Williams used to work, saying "Voters should go with the more experienced Carl Williams to deliver whatever help the state can offer to a district that will need it."
The Detroit Free Press endorsed the following Democrats for State House:
Barb Byrum, saying she has the "skills to succeed in the Legislature."
Incumbent Alma Wheeler Smith, calling her "a tireless advocate for her constituents in eastern Washtenaw County and for equal opportunity."
Pam Byrnes, saying she
has served her district capably -- and fastidiously, posting a perfect attendance record last year, her first in the Legislature. Despite being part of the freshman class in the minority party, Byrnes sits in all the right places to make a difference for the state as a whole, and for her district in particular.
And Rebekah Warren.
And the Muskegon Chronicle says "Enough already! Mary Valentine for the 91st District"
If we missed any, please put them in the comments.
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