The king of drama doesn't impress one conservative writer.
As the days tick down to the Michigan primary on Aug. 2, local news media are placing their markers in endorsements and opinion.
Reps. Haley Stevens and Andy Levin (File photos)
In the hotly contested Democratic primary for the newly drawn 11th U.S. Congressional district, the Free Press today endorsed Haley Stevens over her opponent, Andy Levin.
Noting that the two candidates are more similar than different, the Freep editorial board states:
Levin acknowledges that Stevens had the winning formula for the highly competitive district she flipped in 2018, but maintains that he's more in tune with those of the reconfigured 11th, which has a larger Democratic base. But it's a dubious claim, and we believe Stevens will represent the district's voters more effectively in a Congress that is already too polarized.
The Freep also endorsed former Macomb County prosecutor Carl Marlinga in the 10th district, noting:
The Democratic primary field in the new 10th is both larger and more ideologically diverse than the one-on-one contest next door.
...But elevating the candidate whose politics align most closely with those of the district's committed Democrats may diminish the party's general election chances in this closely divided district.
Ryan Kelley (File photo)
Meanwhile, at the News, new staff columnist Kaitlyn Buss despairs over the rise and apparent popularity of Republican Ryan Kelley, who could still win the GOP primary for governor:
(In) many ways he is a perfect representation of the Republican Party today.
He can seduce angry Republicans who want nothing more than to relitigate 2020. And he's ready to make Michigan a petri dish for the 2024 campaign, should former President Donald Trump run.
If he prevails, however, he's unlikely to win the general election, she writes:
His statements and actions are unappealing, even criminal, to the average independent voter — the very voter that typically determines statewide Michigan elections.
Ultimately, all Kelley offers Michigan is "four more years of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer," the columnist claims.
