Michigan Political Week in Review
We've passed the two-month threshold on the way to the Nov. 2 general election, and there's no indication of the races across the state and the country slowing down in the slightest.
If anything, recent polling and predictions show the situation looking worse nationally for Democrats. That's causing both parties to speed up their fundraising and voter outreach efforts. Republicans are attempting to capitalize on the national mood, while Democrats are trying to outrun it. The bigger picture, however, appears to be dissatisfaction with sitting officials, in general. Incumbents, of any party, beware.
While a good Michigan microbrew or your long Labor Day weekend may be the best way to unwind a bit in this hectic and increasingly vitriolic election cycle, Michigan LCV is happy to provide some quality reading as you’re polishing off that leftover potato salad from yesterday’s BBQ. Here is your Political Week in Review:
Governor’s Race:
Michigan LCV launched its “Candidate Tracker” which will serve as a primary source of information for any voter curious about how the candidates are talking on a day-to-day basis about conservation and green job creation. We are excited about the possibilities of this tool and will use it to hold Snyder and Bernero accountable to the promises they made in the primary elections. We'll also work to get them on the record for other unstated positions.
So far, since the conventions, we have heard far too little on these subjects. For all the concern expressed for “reinvention” and “main street,” we would like to hear more about the actual job creation and the green energy sector that is so ripe for development in Michigan.
Last week, the Bernero campaign kicked off its “Fighting for Mainstreet Tour” with stops across the Lower Peninsula. In each stop, Bernero and running mate Brenda Lawrence, the “Two Mayor Ticket,” talked about their successes in managing their respective cities and the experience they will bring in that vein to the governor’s mansion.
Soon, they may head to the UP. We will look forward to hearing them discuss the potential for greater tourism in the beautiful outdoors --- including restoring funding to the Pure Michigan campaign --- and the proper management of the vast and valuable natural resources found across the peninsula.
Snyder was on the road a great deal last week, too, as he accumulated more signatures on his bus and a few big endorsements, as well. Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising endorsement was the 18,000 member Michigan Carpenters and Millwrights trade union. This show of support by labor --- a constituency that is generally monolithic in the Democrats' corner --- is unfortunate news for Bernero, who rode a wave of labor support (and contributions) over Andy Dillon in his primary victory. The vast majority of unions still appear to be solidly behind Bernero, though this announcement gives Snyder the opportunity to note that he is making inroads toward even the strongest Democratic bases.
Although the recent polling still shows Snyder far ahead, late last week 30% of voters were still unable to offer an opinion of either candidate. That wide of a window still gives both candidates the opportunity to define themselves --- and their opponent --- to a major slice of the electorate.
The Legislature:
As of Sept. 2, the Michigan State Legislature officially blew the deadline on giving Michigan voters the opportunity to permanently ban drilling in the Great Lakes via a constitutional amendment. What business was the Senate so busy with that they couldn’t give their constituents the chance to lock the Great Lakes away from BP, Enbridge, and other Big Oil interests forever? Vacation. Campaigning.
Despite the fact that bills were ready for votes on the floor and out of committee, neither the House nor Senate chose to put the vote up. As mentioned at the beginning of this Political Week in Review, incumbents beware; voters are tired of the political games that allow vital legislation like this to suffocate under a stack of campaign literature that promises action the next time around.
Thank you to Dan Scripps, Rebekah Warren, and Glenn Anderson for trying their best to make the ban possible. Michigan LCV will be working hard to ensure that they, and the legislators that stood with them on this issue, get another chance in the next session with better allies on both sides of the aisle.
New Michigan LCV Endorsements:
We've announce our endorsements of two very promising State Senate candidates: David LaGrand in the metro Grand Rapids area and Aaron Bailey in Oakland County.
Bailey's race received special attention as the National League of Conservation Voters named the incumbent senator in that race – John Pappageorge – to its inaugural State Level Dirty Dozen list. Pappageorge is the only legislator in the state to win the dubious honor, and one of only 12 across the country.
Coming up next…
Look for Bernero and Snyder to stick close to their messages they have been pitching since the primaries, “Reinvent Michigan” and “Main Street vs. Wall Street,” respectively. You can also expect a new eruption across cable news, policy shops, and the Tea Party about the effectiveness of government stimulus as President Obama gets set to announce a $50 billion investment in rebuilding America’s infrastructure.
Included in the plan is 4,000 miles of newly laid or upgraded rail lines to improve high-speed mass transit across the country. Michigan LCV is certainly hoping that this infusion of funds into our economy will include more rail funding for our state.
And, while all that is going on, please check back to our blog regularly and our Candidate Tracker for updates.
Until next week,
Ryan Werder
Political Director, Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
