Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is a rising star for Democrats and a target for Republicans
Former vice president Joe Biden has listed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among his potential picks for a running mate. He had her on his podcast recently, where they mixed policy discussions with talk of Biden’s favorite snack (Fig Newtons) and the name of Whitmer’s dog (Kevin).
But Whitmer has also drawn fierce attacks from Republicans. Trump has consistently ridiculed the governor on television, calling her “that woman.” The Republican National Committee has launched an effort to dig up damaging information on Whitmer, submitting public records requests for information that would cast her coronavirus response in a negative light.
Whitmer’s role takes an added significance as the 2020 presidential race heats up. Michigan is a crucial battleground state, won in a tight race by Trump four years ago. Winning back the Rust Belt — and the working-class whites who live there — has been central to Biden’s pitch for the presidency, and Whitmer won the governor’s race by nearly 10 points in 2018.
Now, Republican lawmakers in her state are escalating their criticism of her decision to implement one of the nation’s most aggressive stay-at-home orders. Protesters are clogging the streets near the state capitol to demand she begin opening up the state’s economy, and she is facing several lawsuits challenging orders to shutter nonessential businesses.
“I definitely see why Trump’s afraid of her, and why former vice president Biden would be considering her,” said Michigan Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich. “She would make a strong addition to the ticket. She’s strong not just in Michigan, but in the Midwest.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-is-a-rising-star-for-democrats-and-a-target-for-republicans/2020/04/18/86d6dcf4-80e1-11ea-8013-1b6da0e4a2b7_story.html
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