Michigan Politics & Elections

Legislative election in 2010 could give Democrats a chance to win Grand Rapids-based congressional seat

2009-11-08T11:49:56Z

The 3rd Congressional District seat, now held by Grand Rapids Republican Vernon Ehlers, could go to the first Democrat in 36 years -- if the political stars align. Michigan Democrats must keep the state House and gain control of the Senate so they can redraw legislative lines following the 2010 Census. Under one such plan, linking most of Kent and Muskegon counties would create a favorable district.

Column: Michigan leaning Republican as poll shows desire for change among independent voters

2009-11-08T09:32:48Z

While N.J.'s election last week can’t predict what will happen in Michigan a year from now, self-identified independents in Michigan are no less angry with the economic status quo.

House passes health care overhaul without West Michigan votes

2009-11-08T04:57:57Z

The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.

Polpourri: Count Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell among the fans of Andy Dillon's health care plan

2009-11-08T01:11:15Z

George HeartwellCount Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell among supporters of a proposal to pool public employees in one health care plan. Heartwell testified Thursday in favor of House Speaker Andy Dillon’s controversial proposal, opposed by most labor unions. The mayor...

Rep. Dingell takes gavel as House debates health

2009-11-07T18:01:40Z

AP photoRep. John DingellWASHINGTON -- Democrats gave the gavel to the longest-serving House member ever as the chamber began debating legislation overhauling the country's health care system. Rep. John Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, was given the honor of presiding Saturday...

Democrats clear impasse blocking health care vote

2009-11-07T07:31:39Z

Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan and other abortion opponents will be given an opportunity to try and insert tougher restrictions into the legislation during debate on the House floor.

Analysis: 10 percent jobless is Obama's new world

2009-11-07T05:33:09Z

The unemployment number masks the fact that job losses slowed compared to past months — the work force went down by 190,000 in October compared to 219,000 in September.

West Michigan Reps. Hoekstra, Ehlers explain why they will vote against Democrats' health-care plan

2009-11-06T22:30:18Z

Two local lawmakers say they'll be in the "no" column if House Democrats call for a vote today on a $1 trillion health-care measure that would cover 36 million uninsured people and create a government health plan.

President Obama signs US homebuyer, jobless bill assistance

2009-11-06T18:08:37Z

President Barack Obama signed into law a $24 billion economic stimulus bill providing tax incentives to prospective homebuyers and extending unemployment benefits to the longtime jobless who have been left behind as the U.S. economy veers toward recovery.

Pete Hoekstra, Vern Ehlers poised to vote no on health care reform bill; Hoekstra rallies troops in opposition

2009-11-06T15:29:23Z

U.S. House of Representatives moves toward a vote on a sweeping health-care reform bill Saturday.

Michigan House taps 2010 stimulus funding for schools

2009-11-05T20:52:59Z

LANSING — The Michigan House has voted to tap federal stimulus money set aside for next year to soften a cut in school funding now.By a vote of 74-29, a majority of House members said Thursday the $184 million should...

Is capitalism the problem or solution in Detroit?

2009-11-05T17:30:04Z

Kauffman FoundationCarl SchrammIt's easy to look around Detroit and see signs that capitalism may have failed the city: The nation's highest unemployment rate, scattered pockets of abandoned homes and foreclosure signs sprouting like weeds.Heck, a Detroit bishop even told Michael...

Health care reform, Republican-style

2009-11-05T17:00:58Z

Is House Republican version of health care bill attempt at reform or political stunt?

Congress set to clear aid to extend jobless benefits, homebuyer taxbreaks

2009-11-05T12:25:18Z

WASHINGTON — Congress is one vote away from sending the president legislation that continues aid to more than a million jobless people and extends tax breaks to hundreds of thousands of prospective homebuyers and struggling businesses.The legislation, recognizing the lingering...

Sentencing delayed for ex-Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers

2009-11-05T10:40:33Z

AP File PhotoMonica Conyers' booking photoThe sentencing of former Detroit Councilwoman Monica Conyers for taking bribes has been delayed.Conyers' sentencing hearing has been moved from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15, 2010.U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn issued a brief order Wednesday,...

GOP Chairman Michael Steele to speak in Holland next week

2009-11-05T04:03:45Z

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will speak at an Ottawa County GOP luncheon next week.

Detroit mayoral race includes 3,849 write-in votes

2009-11-05T01:14:29Z

Elections Director Daniel Baxter says mayoral write-in votes in Detroit's nonpartisan election added up to 30 minutes of counting time at some precincts.Baxter tells The Associated Press that a total of 3,849 write-in votes were cast Tuesday for Jerroll Sanders,...

Michigan holding off on recalling state troopers

2009-11-05T01:10:35Z

About 55 laid-off state troopers who expected to be recalled now that the state budget is in place will stay off the job a little longer.Gov. Jennifer Granholm's spokeswoman said Wednesday that the budget office needs a week to 10...

Podcast: Does Tuesday's election foreshadow big Republican wins in 2010?

2009-11-04T22:28:18Z

Podcast crew discusses big wins by Republicans, including N.J.'s Chris Christie.

Pete Hoekstra cites his opposition to bringing Gitmo detainees to Michigan in letter soliciting funds for his campaign for governor

2009-11-04T20:00:01Z

"Weak-kneed liberals in Washington ... will paint a target on the backs of Michiganders," letter says.