MichMash: Cracks Forming in Foundation of Bipartisanship in Lansing
Small spats between Republicans and Democrats at the state Capitol could foretell bigger trouble down the road.
We haven’t yet seen the full effects of divided government at the state Capitol.
But Republican lawmakers are already acting differently with a Democratic governor in office.
This week, a state Senate committee was scheduled to begin hearings to vet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s cabinet appointments. That “advice and consent” meeting was canceled due to the Hoth-like weather in Michigan.
The concept of that vetting process isn’t anything different or controversial on its face. However, it’s important to note that Republican lawmakers did not hold advice and consent hearings for Gov. Rick Snyder’s appointments for years.
Now, Sen. Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Twp.), the chairman of the Senate Advice and Consent Committee, suggests the hearings are important to make sure each of Whitmer’s picks are “uniquely qualified” and not “a political appointment.”
Meanwhile, there was also a spat over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to postpone her State of the State speech and publicly announce a new date, apparently without first confirming with state House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering).
As part of the weekly series MichMash, Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about these first signs of political divisions in Lansing.
Click on the audio player above to hear that conversation.
