At the Mackinac Policy Conference, the Empire strikes back in seersucker suits

At the Mackinac Policy Conference, the Empire strikes back in seersucker suits
SUSAN J. DEMAS


(Michigan Advance) The annual Detroit Regional Chamber’s confab, held hours away from Lansing on idyllic Mackinac Island, is a swanky playground for business execs, lobbyists, lawmakers, media and assorted hangers-on.

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But beyond the usual porch-side schmoozing and boozy receptions for the seersucker-suit crowd, there was a definite vibe shift from the last couple conferences with tensions over the looming 2024 election and a palpable desire to see Republicans reclaim some power in Michigan, as well as in the White House. So it was somewhat fitting that the blockbuster guilty verdict in Trump’s hush money trial was announced just minutes after the last panel wrapped, a chilly conversation between bipartisan legislative leaders (but more on that later).

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During her keynote address, Whitmer, who was thought to be facing a tough reelection during what was expected to be a red wave year, decided not to play it safe in a room full of CEOs expecting to hear vague economic development plans and platitudes about working across the aisle.

The Democrat took that moment to make her case for abortion rights.

“As we chase our collective success, we must also be a state where women have bodily autonomy and equal rights,” Whitmer declared — and the audience unexpectedly dissolved into cheers. ..................(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/2024/06/02/at-the-mackinac-policy-conference-the-empire-strikes-back-in-seersucker-suits/