Gretchen Whitmer in 2022 MI Governor's race
On Abortion:
Abortion clinics deemed "essential" during pandemic shutdown
A lawsuit has been filed against Whitmer for keeping abortion clinics open as "essential" businesses during the coronavirus pandemic while sending 15 officers to shut down the speech of pro-life protesters. "While most businesses were forced to
shut down as a result, the governor has refused to order abortion centers in Michigan to close even though abortion is an elective procedure," the legal team explained.
Source: WorldNetDaily on 2022 Michigan Governor race
Apr 5, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Supports anti-boycott bill against anti-Israel BDS movement
Her stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a relevant topic that may alienate potential voters. In a statement that is no longer available on her campaign website, Whitmer listed resolutions in favor of Israel that she sponsored when
she was a lawmaker. "I strongly support the bipartisan anti-boycott legislation that was signed into law by Governor [Rick] Snyder last year and will do everything in my power to uphold it as Michigan's next governor," she said.
Source: Middle East Eye on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Sep 19, 2018
On Free Trade:
Important to continue traveling to Israel to support trade
Whitmer is embarking on her first trade mission as she leaves for a five-day trip to Israel. "I look forward to a number of productive conversations on how we can strengthen our ties with our partners overseas and also attract more businesses and
jobs to Michigan," she said. "It's important to continue the tradition of traveling to Israel which previous governors have done. It's an important relationship for our state with our mutual focus on water, cybersecurity, startups."
Source: The Detroit Free Press on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Nov 17, 2019
On Government Reform:
Would be nice to have national strategy working with states
Q: Is that one of the problems here, that tests are being put out on the market, but you're not even being informed about it?
WHITMER: In some cases, yes, we will get tests into our health care providers, and we're dependent on them to let us know that that's happened.
That's not a great way to run this system. It would be nice if we had a national strategy that was working with the states, so every state knew precisely what was coming in.
But we governors are doing the best we can with what we have got. We could use some assistance, though, to make sure that those supply chain issues are addressed.
Source: CNN 2020 "State of the Union" on 2022 Michigan Governor race
Apr 19, 2020
On Homeland Security:
COVID-19 restrictions were aggressive and necessary
Q: Do you have any regrets on any of the restrictions that you have put into place?WHITMER: I don't. And here's why.
You know, Michigan right now has the third highest number of death from COVID-19. And yet, we're the tenth largest state.
We have a disproportionate problem in the state of Michigan. And so, we could take the same kinds of actions other states have, but it doesn't rise to the challenge we're confronting.
And that's precisely why we have to take a more aggressive stand. It's working. We are seeing the curve start to flatten.
Source: Meet the Press 2020 interview on 2022 Michigan Governor race
Apr 19, 2020
On Abortion:
Republicans want felony convictions of doctors and nurses
GOV. GRETCHEN WHITMER (D-MI): With the current legislature that I have, there is no common ground, which is the sad thing. They've already introduced legislation to criminalize and throw nurses and doctors in jail. They've all endorsed the 1931 law, as
has all of the Republican people running for governor. They want abortion to be a felony, no exceptions for rape or incest. That's the kind of legislature that I'm working with. That's why this is such a scary moment for Michigan women and our families.
GOV. KRISTI NOEM (R-SD): I think we'll continue to have those debates on how we can support these mothers and what it means to really make sure that we're not prosecuting mothers ever in a
situation like this when it comes to abortion, that it will always be focused towards those doctors who knowingly break the law to perform abortions in our state.
Source: CBS Face the Nation on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Jul 26, 2022
On Abortion:
Vote yes on Proposal 3 to protect Roe v. Wade rights
Whitmer and her Republican challenger Tudor Dixon clashed on abortion rights in a debate, as Whitmer backed a referendum on ballots this fall that would amend the state constitution to guarantee abortion rights. Dixon said that referendum, if approved
by voters, "would be the most radical abortion law in the entire country. The only place that has something similar is China and North Korea."Whitmer shot back: "None of what she said is true." The two were clashing over what's known as
Proposal 3, which would scrap Michigan's 1931 law banning abortion. In the wake of the US Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, Whitmer sued to block the enforcement of the state's 1931 abortion ban, and she has backed Proposal 3.
Proposal 3's opponents say it would nullify virtually all existing guardrails. "You cannot trust her on this issue. If you want to protect Roe v. Wade rights, vote yes on 3," Whitmer said.
Source: CNN Politics on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Oct 25, 2022
On Families & Children:
No mandatory COVID vaccine for children
Whitmer signaled opposition to mandating coronavirus vaccines for children to attend school during Michigan's final gubernatorial debate before Election Day. Whitmer was asked about new guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
urging children to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. "I do not support requiring the COVID vaccine for children," said Whitmer, who proceeded to defend her record of battling the pandemic. "We made quick decisions to save lives and studies show we
saved 1000s. I am proud of that."Tudor Dixon, the GOP nominee for governor, has sought to make Whitmer's leadership throughout the pandemic a top issue in the contest. "I had a small business crushed [by coronavirus lockdowns].."
Earlier this
month, the CDC voted to add coronavirus inoculation to the Vaccines for Children Program. The inclusion does not make the shots mandatory for children but places it on a list of recommended vaccinations the CDC provides to physicians.
Source: Fox News Politics on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Oct 25, 2022
On Gun Control:
We need red-flag laws and requirement for secure gun storage
Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her Republican challenger Tudor Dixon clashed over how to protect children from school shootings, with Dixon arguing for more security at school buildings and Whitmer making the case for gun control measures.
Dixon said she wants armed security at schools, as well as a single entry point for school buildings. "We need an Office of Safe Schools, like states like Florida have, to make sure that this is a top priority," Dixon said.
"We've been trying that for 30 years. It's not working," Whitmer said. Instead, she said, Michigan needs to enact laws requiring background checks and secure storage, as well as "red flag" laws. "Ask yourself, who is going to keep your kids safe:
The former prosecutor with plans, or a candidate with thoughts and prayers?" Whitmer said.
Source: CNN Politics on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Oct 25, 2022
On Principles & Values:
Hateful rhetoric makes people much more fearful
I have been the recipient of so much ugliness and hate often stoked by the former president. This is a really scary moment. And with the proliferation of the ugly rhetoric, the scary proliferation of guns in America, and the fewer and fewer
restrictions, I think that any parent who sends their child to school, any politician or policymaker who makes a hard decision, we now have to be much more fearful on a whole new level.
Source: CBS Face the Nation on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Jul 26, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 14, 2023