NOTHING FOR GRANTED

Some could assume that Democrats at the top of the ticket – Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel – would be riding high and coasting into a second term with the meltdown of half of the Republicans running for governor, and the Trump-appointed secretary of state and attorney general candidates, Kristina Karamo and Matt DePerno. But they’d be wrong. The gossip is they are taking nothing for granted, and all three, as well as Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, recognize the stakes are enormous, and as one Democratic lawmaker said, “With so many radicals out there, and how targeted Whitmer already has been, it’s unknown how motivated that Republican MAGA base is.” Whitmer, who already has lots of green in the bank, is focusing less on fundraisers and more on events, with lots and lots of attention right now on southeast Michigan. As for who big bucks Republicans are focused on, “People I know are behind Tudor Dixon,” said one longtime Republican. “Tudor is the best candidate to go against Gretchen – it will be like Biden versus Trump again.” Many others in GOP circles are disappointed with Dixon because despite being endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Right to Life and the Devos family – along with a promise of large dollars – she is still only polling around five percent, in the cellar, only slightly higher than Rev. Ralph Rebrandt. Party handlers and lobbyists are urging her to spend significantly more time in Oakland County, and Republican candidate for House District 19  (Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Bingham Farms, Beverly Hills, Franklin, Southfield) Anthony Paesano is holding a fundraiser for her at his Bloomfield Township home.