Gretchen Whitmer named new Senate Democratic Leader

by: ScottyUrb

Thu Nov 04, 2010 at 14:53:36 PM EDT

Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) was chosen today by her Democratic colleagues as the next Senate Democratic Leader, and will head up the caucus beginning in January when the new legislative session begins. Whitmer was honored by the support and trust of her caucus members, and is dedicated and determined to continue the Senate Democrats’ efforts to rebuild our state and lay the groundwork for the future of Michigan.
 
“While there will be a lot of changes in the Capitol, the priorities of the Michigan Senate Democrats will be the same, and we have a lot of talented individuals coming in who will fight harder than ever to see that they are addressed,” said Whitmer. “I am eager to work with anyone who is earnestly ready to roll up their sleeves and make the tough decisions necessary to right Michigan’s ship for the long-term. I hope the new governor and incoming legislators will bring an open mind and a cooperative style to move us forward, and get past the partisanship, gimmicks and games that have been so problematic these last four years.”
 
The Michigan Senate Democrats are the first legislative caucus to hold their leadership elections for the upcoming session, and will be unified from the start so that the caucus can get to work immediately on setting their priorities to get Michigan back on the right track. Senator Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit) was also named Senate Democratic Floor Leader today.
 
Senator Whitmer is the first woman elected to a leadership position in either caucus of the Michigan Senate. Being elected to the Senate in a special election in March of 2006, Whitmer will also be the Dean of the Senate in the next term as the longest-serving sitting Senator, and will bring vital experience and understanding to her leadership role. Prior to being elected to the Senate, Whitmer served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2000 to 2006. In the Senate, she currently is the Ranking Democrat on the Judiciary and Education Committees, and also serves on the Finance and Agriculture Committees.