Political Agenda — GOP takes control in Nov. 2 election

With the results from the Nov. 2 general election results completely reported, it’s clear that the GOP swept to victory across the nation.

The New York Times reported on Nov. 3 that Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives with at least 60 new seats, the largest number since 1948.

In Michigan, the Detroit Free Press reported on Nov. 4 that Republicans won all statewide seats—the first time one party has done so since 1982—adding a new majority 63-47 in the House of Representatives and increased their Senate majority to 26-12.

Here’s a quick run down on a few of the newly elected officials who will affect Calhoun County and how their plans for the future affect young Michigan voters:

Governor

Republican Rick Snyder won with 58.1 percent to Democrat Virg Bernero’s 39.9 percent. As a former executive of computer company Gateway, Snyder brings extensive business experience to the governorship, which he will utilize in his revitalization of Michigan’s economy.

Snyder’s plan emphasizes new incentives that will keep young professionals in Michigan, including financial incentives to recent graduates who live in its cities, tuition re-payment assistance from employers and mentorship programs for young workers.

On Nov. 3, Snyder announced members of his transition team, who will ease Snyder’s move to office. Team members include:

• Doug Rothwell, CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan and former economic development chief for past Gov. John Engler
• Sharon Rothwell, former chief of staff for Engler
• Mark Murray, president of Meijer Inc. and budget director and state treasurer for Engler

Secretary of state

 For the next secretary of state, Republican Ruth Johnson triumphed over Democrat Jocelyn Benson with 50.7 percent to Benson’s 45.2 percent, becoming the third Republican woman to consecutively hold the position.

Currently the Oakland County clerk, Johnson has also served as a state representative and commissioner for Oakland County. According to The Lansing State Journal, which endorsed Johnson, she has plans to improve both efficiency and election transparency.

In the past, Johnson has created an instructional DVD for voters to teach them how to use new voting machines, as well as recycling gently used voting machines into schools so that children can learn about voting and democracy first-hand.

 

Attorney general

In another Republican victory, Bill Schuette took 52.6 percent of the vote to Democrat David Leyton’s 43.5 percent to become Michigan’s newest attorney general. Previously, Schuette has served the state as a senator, state representative, court of appeals judge and director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

The Detroit Free Press reported on Nov. 3 that Schuette plans to continue a lawsuit brought by former Attorney General Mike Cox challenging the requirement to buy health insurance included in the recent health care reform. Full-time college students may remain on their parents insurance until the age of 26.

He will also maintain a program within the office that pursues parents who owe child support and was strongly opposed to the medical marijuana law voted in 2008.

U.S. House of Representatives—Michigan’s 7th Congressional District

Republican Tim Walberg won the U.S. House of Representatives—Michigan’s 7th congressional district position with 50 percent of the vote over incumbent Mark Schauer, who received 45 percent. Walberg lost the seat in 2008 to Schauer.

The Jackson-Citizen Patriot reported on Nov. 3.  That Walberg plans to focus on repealing the health care reform and limiting government spending in Washington, D.C.

In the educational realm, Walberg stresses the need to provide greater flexibility for local school districts to give power to those who interact students on a daily basis. He will encourage partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions to offer greater access for students from lower- and middle-class families.

Michigan State House Representative—District 62

Returning representative Kate Segal was one of the few Democrats to triumph in Tuesday’s elections, winning her race with 55 percent to Republican opponent Steven Mobley’s 45 percent.

According to Segal’s campaign website, she plans to continue her work in balancing Michigan’s state budget without raising taxes. Segal referenced her decisions to vote against lifetime health care for legislators and take a 10 percent pay-cut, among other actions.

In the past, Segal has led the legislative fight and created a community coalition to save the Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy (MYCA), a program for at-risk youth. Segal wants to improve education in the future by assuring that financial resources are evenly distributed.

Michigan State Senate—District 19

With one of the larger margins of victory in the election, Republican Mike Nofs won over Democrat Brenda Abbey with 64 to 36 percent, respectively. Nofs has previously served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.

According to his campaign website, Nofs has created a “Jobs Now” plan, which involves creating new jobs in Michigan, providing additional training for workers, streamlining state government and expanding in the international market.

In education, Nofs has voted in favor of higher educational standards, increased funding for schools, and local control of teacher benefits and salaries. He also sponsored legislation to ensure that African history is accurately taught in high schools.