U.S. Senator Backs Slotkin for Senate Run in Michigan

U.S. Senator Backs Slotkin for Senate Run in Michigan

Gary Peters, a Democratic U.S. Senator from Michigan, is giving his full support to the Senate campaign of U.S. representative Elissa Slotkin. He made the announcement last Friday, joining other influential Democrats in their effort to hold on to one of the Senate seats in Michigan.

Peters, together with Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive, and Representative Haley Stevens, commended Slotkin for her Congressional track record and her support towards Oxford following the mass shooting at a local high school in 2021.

Slotkin, who is vying for the spot against Mike Rogers, a former U.S. representative, received praise from the retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow who views Slotkin as her potential successor.

The Michigan Senator believes in Slotkin’s tenacity and passion, citing her support for the Inflation Reduction Act which has contributed to the recent lowering of multiple drug prices. Peters also acknowledged her experience in national security during the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations.

Slotkin, who used to work as a Middle East analyst for the CIA and has served in various roles in the defense and intelligence sector, was also credited for championing the PACT Act. This law aims to enhance health care and benefits for veterans exposed to harmful substances such as burn pits and Agent Orange.

While Roger’s campaign insists that he remains a Michigan resident, Peters has challenged this claim, arguing that the state needs committed representatives like Slotkin who are present and consistently fighting for their constituents.

As the race between Slotkin and Rogers tighten, Peters stresses the importance of Michigan in the upcoming elections both at the presidential level and in securing a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate.

In her campaign, Slotkin focuses on addressing real threats affecting the middle class including gun violence, mental health issues, and the impact of climate change among others. She also emphasized on the need for Democrats to take proactive steps in preserving democracy and their rights.

The campaign got a bit testy, with a controversial ad from an external group that featured a former volunteer attacking Rogers. Hence, Slotkin distanced herself from the issue and explained that as the ad was created by an outside group, she is legally barred from any form of involvement.

Peters, who chairs the group responsible for the controversial ad, clarified that while the volunteer featured in the ad is speaking as an individual, the ad is a separate initiative from both the group and his functions as chair.