- Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Former Congressman Mike Rodgers are the 2 candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat that was previously held by Debbie Stabenow
- This election is crucial not just in Michigan but also in the White House as it can shift the balance of power in the Senate
- In the attached story, I spoke with MSU political scientist Matthew Grossmann and a local voter about the importance of this election
(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story)
"Talk to me about what you know about this senate race" I asked Nicholas Pueppke.
"Okay so I've been following the general elections coming up fairly closely but not necessarily the Senate races" he said.
A race that all voters in our neighborhoods will see on the ballot.
"I heard some snippets from the last debate and I feel like I have a vague idea of what their policies are but that's just thinking about Democrats and Republicans in general" Nicholas said.
For the first time since Senator Debbie Stabenow took office more than two decades ago, her Michigan Senate seat is opening up.
"Its the most important and closest open race in the United States" said Matt Grossmann, MSU political science professor.
And in this years election, the balance of power is at stake.
"We're likely to see a flip in control of the U.S. Senate unless the democrats can win an unexpected senate race but in order to even have that potential they have to maintain this race in Michigan" Matt said.
MSU political science professor Matt Grossmann noted that Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Former Congressman Mike Rogers are both no strangers to holding an office.
"They're both experienced candidates in fact they both represented the Lansing district in Congress" Grossmann said.
Grossmann says the race seems to be nearly 50/50 right now which is why the debate between the 2 candidates is crucial.
"I think the most important issue is probably the economy and what the candidates are going to do to help people be able to afford a decent life, have a normal job, being able to afford housing" Nicholas said.
Both candidates are expected to discuss this and more during Monday nights debate and regardless of the winner Matt Grossmann says this race is a crucial one.
"This is one of our few opportunity at an open seat race for the Senate that could elect a Senator that's here for some time" he said.
Want to see more local news? Visit the FOX47News Website.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts.
