Democratic nominee for governor Gretchen Whitmer, former minority leader of the Michigan Senate, traded barbs with her Republican opponent, Attorney General Bill Schuette, during the last of two televised debates Oct. 24. The debate, hosted by WDIV and moderated by Devin Scillian and Kimberly Gill, lasted an hour and was aired by broadcast partners across the state and online.
Schuette responds to question about civility by calling Whitmer “extreme”
After at least 10 suspicious packages were sent to top Democrats – including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former Vice President Joe Biden – candidates were asked to address their plans to make the political climate in the United States more civil.
Schuette responded by attacking Gretchen Whitmer’s record in the Michigan Senate, saying that she “did no heavy lifting” in passing a Medicaid expansion and calling her “extreme” for supporting the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The attorney general also praised Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, calling him “a good person.”
Whitmer, who has previously clarified that she does not support abolishing ICE, responded by linking events like the suspicious packages and a shooting at a Kentucky Kroger to the national political climate.
“That’s what the rhetoric that is happening in this country has emboldened, has enabled when my opponent stands here and calls me extreme," Whitmer said. "You know what I’m extreme on? I’m extreme on believing that we can do better in Michigan. I think it is time for us to have a civil society where we have robust but respectful debate.”
Candidates respond to Engler op-ed on university funding
MSU Interim President John Engler this week published an op-ed in Bridge Magazine asking both gubernatorial candidates to discuss their plans for funding institutions of higher education, noting that schools are being asked to freeze tuition without being provided the additional funds to do so.
Schuette said the best way to make sure college is affordable for students is to focus on growing the economy as a whole.
“The best approach for high school and for college education is a strong economy,” Schuette said. “Senator Whitmer’s agenda is an economic collapse plan.”
Whitmer said she would offer students a scholarship to cover the cost of a two-year degree, which could also be applied towards the cost of obtaining a four-year degree.
“While we have some of the most amazing universities on the planet, too few Michiganders can actually afford to pursue a four-year degree in this state,” Whitmer said. “That’s why my opportunity scholarship, that is a part of my economic package, is a debt-free two-year degree for anyone who wants to pursue that or using that kind of investment towards bringing down the cost of a four-year degree. There is not one path for everyone, but everyone in our state deserves a path.”
Fixing roads contentious topic
Whitmer and Schuette sparred over one another’s plans to repair Michigan’s roads, one of the key issues in the race for governor.
Whitmer said voters are tired of paying a road tax when they have repairs to make on their vehicles, but noted that she would bring a bond before Michigan taxpayers to fund road repairs if necessary.
“When she says she wants to fix the darn roads, she’s going to raise your darn taxes,” Schuette said.
“I want to correct the attorney general, the saying is we’re going to fix the damn roads,” Whitmer responded.
Schuette said his plan would consist of auditing MDOT, ensuring that roads and bridges are protected under warranty, and securing additional federal funding.
“I’ll walk right through the front door of the White House, because of my relationships, call the secretary of transportation, Elaine Chao, a friend of mine, and be an advocate for more federal dollars coming to Michigan,” Schuette said.
“Saying that you’re going to walk through the front door of the Trump White House doesn’t fix a single pothole in this state,” Whitmer responded.
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Economy key talking point for Schuette
Nearly every answer Schuette offered during the debate pivoted back to the economy. Issues from gay rights to gerrymandering were used as a stepping stone to discussing taxes.
“The attorney general has the same talking points for every question,” Whitmer said at one point in the debate. “You forgot to use the word ‘extreme’ in that one, Bill.”
Schuette accidentally calls Whitmer “Jennifer,” says he’s running for attorney general
In two apparent slips of the tongue, Schuette at one point referred to his opponent as “Jennifer” — likely referencing Jennifer Granholm — and started to say that he was running for attorney general.
“It’s easy to get them confused,” Schuette said.
Candidates agree climate change is real; differ on how to address it
Both candidates acknowledged that climate change is real.
Whitmer promised to enter Michigan into the U.S. Climate Alliance and bring the state in line with the requirements of the Paris Agreement, which Donald Trump pulled the United States out of.
Schuette said that other countries, like China, must address the issue as well, before pivoting to discussing the production of Dodge Ram trucks in Michigan.
