The last of the truly reasonable Michigan Republicans…
When I was just a lad and an aspiring activist, I volunteered for a group called “The Three O’Clock Lobby”. It was a youth-run, youth advocacy group and we endeavored to make sure the voice of young people was represented in policy-making, law-making, and government in general.
It was during my time there that I first met Governor William Milliken when I and another young person asked him to wear a button saying “I support youth participation” at a celebration of the International Year of the Child (this event is actually mentioned in the Wikipedia article.) Milliken was not only a really nice and sweet man, he was a listener and he was reasonable. Considered a moderate, a man with his approach to leadership and governance would have no home in the Republican Party today, especially not in Michigan. William Milliken was willing to compromise and there’s no compromising in today’s Republican Party.
Today, Professor Bridget McCormack, candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, announced that she has received the endorsement of William Milliken, adding to her already impressive list of endorsements that includes the two major Detroit newspapers. It’s a clear sign of where things are in Michigan today, politically-speaking.
Here is McCormack’s announcement:
Today, William G. Milliken (R) — Michigan’s 44th Governor — endorsed my candidacy for the Michigan Supreme Court. I am honored and humbled to have his support.Governor Milliken is revered by the people of this State, in no small part because of the manner in which he carried himself and discharged his duties.
He was a pragmatist who worked in a bipartisan way to get the job done. He never viewed governance as a zero-sum, “us” versus “them” enterprise. He was also personally respectful even towards those with whom he disagreed.
Profound decency, independence, pragmatism, and civility are central to Governor Milliken’s lasting legacy. They are qualities I admire deeply, and ones I’ll work to advance.
Given the tenor of politics today, we could use a dose of Millikenism. And so could the Michigan Supreme Court.
The Governor’s endorsement will help to show moderate, independent, and undecided voters throughout Michigan — and all who look to Governor Milliken for his leadership — that our campaign is worthy of their support too.
Please help me spread the word.
Grateful for your continued help during our final three weeks,
Bridget
Bridget McCormack’s campaign is ascending. Following the now-viral West Wing ad and an aggressive, forward-thinking campaign, her name recognition is off the charts and she is increasingly seen as the leading candidate for the Court across the state. I couldn’t be happier.
In case you missed it, you can read my interview with Professor McCormack HERE.
