How are Republicans and Democrats Working Together for Michigan?

Stephen Henderson speaks with Debbie Dingell, U.S. Representative from the 12^th District (D), and Ronna Romney-McDaniel, Republican National Chairwoman, about the relationship between the Democratic and Republican parties in Michigan. What they discussed:

• “Compromise is not a bad word.” Dingell says that both parties often have the same values and ideas but see things from different perspectives and use different approaches to solving problems. She say that the bulk of the American people and Michiganders fall in the middle of the political spectrum and that bipartisanship is effective when “people come together on issues that matter to the people.”
• “Michiganders are sick of arguing.” According to Romney-McDaniel, people tend to tune out hostile, argumentative conversations between Republicans and Democrats. She and Dingell both agree that this is why it is so important to keep dialogue between the parties respectful. Even though the parties may have differences of opinion, respectful discussion makes it easier for constituents to listen to the complete conversation and make informed decisions when voting.
• Turning the state around. Romney-McDaniel says that Detroit would not be where it is today without a strong bipartisan effort. She says that both political parties are eager to see both Detroit and Michigan improve economically and that Michigan’s unemployment rate of 5.4% and 20 straight months of job growth reflect this.

Click the audio link above to hear the full conversation.