Democratic
Tidal Wave Hits Michigan
Governor Granholm, Senator Stabenow
victorious by historic margins, Democrats take control of U.S. House, U.S. Senate
and State House, sweep Education Boards
LANSING – Tuesday
night, Michigan Democrats celebrated the reelection of Governor Granholm
and Senator Stabenow, both by historic margins. Democratic success was not
limited to the top of the ticket as Democrats took control of U.S. House,
U.S. Senate and State House of Representatives and won every Education
Board race on the ballot. 3.8 million voters cast ballots this year,
setting a new record for turnout in an non-presidential election.
"Tuesday, a record number of Michigan voters made a very strong
statement that the Democratic Party is the party of hope and vision. We
made our differences with the Republican Party very clear this election.
Michigan voters have had enough of the Republican Party's extreme stances
and failed policies," said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark
Brewer. "Michigan's future is very bright. I want to thank of all of
our grassroots activists and candidates who worked very hard to make this a
reality."
Michigan's election 2006 breakdown:
- Governor -
Governor Granholm won a hard fought victory by a margin of 56-42%.
Granholm was victorious despite an opponent who spent $50 million,
virtually all of it his own money.
- U.S. Senate -
Senator Stabenow won a decisive 57-41% victory. Democrats took control
of the U.S. Senate and Stabenow could gain a seat on the powerful
Finance Committee in addition to maintaining her role as Secretary of
the Democratic Caucus. Senator Carl Levin will Chair the influential
Senate Armed Services Committee.
- U.S. House of Representatives - All of Michigan's incumbent Democratic
Representatives were reelected as Democrats nationwide took back the
House. Many of Michigan's Members of Congress will now chair important
committees and subcommittees. Rep. John Conyers will Chair the House
Judiciary Committee. Rep. John Dingell will Chair the House Energy and
Commerce Committee. Rep. Bart Stupak is in the running for Oversight
and Investigations Subcommittee Chair of the Energy and Commerce
Committee. Levin could Chair the House Ways and Means Social Security
Subcommittee. Rep. Kildee is in line to a lead a subcommittee on
education.
- State House of Representatives - Despite the gerrymandered districts, Democrats picked
up 6 seats and took control of the House for the first time since
1997. Democrats now hold 58 seats to the Republicans' 52, and have a
net gain of eleven seats in the last two cycles.
- State Senate -
Again, despite the gerrymandered districts, Democrats will gain at
least one seat in the State Senate.
- Education and University Boards - Democrats swept every Education and University
Board seat. Democrats now have control of all four Boards. Reginald
Turner, Jr. and Casandra Ulbrich were elected to the State Board of
Education. Faylene Owen and George Perles were elected to the Michigan
State University Board of Trustees. Katherine White and Julia Darlow
were elected to the University of Michigan Board of Regents. Eugene
Driker and Debbie Dingell were elected to the Wayne State University
Board of Governors.
- State Supreme Court - Supreme Court Justice Michael Cavanagh won
reelection.
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