Gongwer
Jan. 19, 2023
Elena Durnbaugh
The Detroit Regional Chamber supports legislation that would move Michigan’s Democratic presidential primary to earlier in the year, writing in a letter to lawmakers that the change would mean Michigan residents get a louder voice at the national level.
Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber sent a letter to Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) in support of SB 13, which would move the primary to the fourth Tuesday in February. Sen. Moss introduced the legislation last week in the Senate, and the House introduced a similar bill this week with HB 4029 (See Gongwer Michigan Report, Jan. 17, 2023).
“Michigan is a top 10 state in population and economy and home to a diverse citizen base,” the letter says. “Additionally, Michigan is traditionally a very competitive state in the general election– and Michiganders deserve a larger voice in selecting our presidents.”
The Chamber also said that moving up the presidential primary could provide the state with an economic boost with more candidates and campaigns visiting the state and spending money on hotels, event venues, professional services, and transportation.
“Perhaps more important, however, is a better opportunity for more candidates to get to know Michigan residents and for our residents to share their values with presidential hopefuls,” the letter says.
Last week, Sen. Moss told reporters that moving up the primary shouldn’t be a partisan issue because it would bring more candidates to Michigan (See Gongwer Michigan Report, Jan. 12, 2023).
“We want to welcome all candidates on both sides of the aisle to gather Michigan input, campaign door to door here, demonstrate why they should be president of the United States, and have Michiganders of both sides of the aisle weigh in early,” he said.