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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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