Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and GOP challenger Tudor Dixon squared off over abortion, public schools and Michigan's famously rutted roads Tuesday in the second – and final - debate before the Nov. 8 election.
With polls between the two suggesting a nip-and-tuck contest, both candidates aggressively went after each other in a last-minute effort to woo any voters who have yet to make up their mind in one of the nation’s most watched gubernatorial contests.
Whitmer, seeking a second term, criticized Dixon as a divisive force who can't be trusted, warning the state would regress if her opponent won.
"Are we going to go backwards or are we going to drive together toward the future," Whitmer said. “I say, let’s step on the accelerator."
Dixon called the governor an advocate for a "radical, progressive social agenda" who's responsible for the backsliding of Michigan public schools.
Abortion took center stage with Whitmer vowing to support Proposal 3 on the ballot this fall that enshrines the right to abortion access, while Dixon accused the Democrat of having a "radical opinion of abortion" with no restrictions on abortions.
The race is a stark contrast between Dixon, a MAGA Republican endorsed by former president Donald Trump, and Whitmer who, like other Democrats running this fall, must weather rocky terrain from high inflation and President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings.
Thanks mostly to backlash over her enforcement of strict COVID-19 rules, Whitmer was a top target for Republicans at the beginning of this year. But after several Republican gubernatorial contenders were kicked off the primary ballot for their participation in a voter roll fraud scandal, and another well-polling candidate was arrested for allegedly participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, the state GOP may have wrecked its opportunity to take her down.
Michigan gubernatorial debate:Whitmer and Dixon portray each other as radical, 'dangerous'
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Whitmer on no-fault auto insurance
When asked what she will do to help survivors in cases of no-fault auto insurance, Whitmer said she is working to address Michigan’s historically highest insurance rates in the country.
“Now people can make that choice,” Whitmer said about new legislation letting Michigan residents choose their level of insurance. She said they have already seen rates come down.
- Savannah Kuchar
Whitmer: Dixon ‘ill prepared’ to be governor
Whitmer slammed Dixon as “ill prepared” to be governor.
In her rebuttal, she said the governor doesn’t decide for the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association what the checks are going to be.
- Rachel Looker
Whitmer: ‘Historic process’ on economic development
“We are making historic process when it comes to economic development,” Whitmer said, citing programs to build long-range batteries. She claims Dixon worked against economic development incentives.
“If she was governor, none of those projects would be happening,” Whitmer said.
- Rachel Looker
Whitmer and the Chamber of Commerce
Whitmer said she is grateful for the state’s chamber of commerce endorsement. She said it is because of their work to create an office of rural development, devoted to increasing broadband.
Whitmer said 23,000 homes have already been added online.
“What we can’t afford is someone who’s going to take political potshots instead of rolling up their sleeves,” Whitmer said.
--Savannah Kuchar
Dixon on gas tax
Dixon said that the lack of increased gas tax in Michigan is due to her running mate, not Whitmer.
Dixon recalled Whitmer saying she wouldn't raise the gas tax in 2018 to pay for roads, the GOP candidate accused the current governor of doing just that when she got into office.
-Sarah Elbeshbishi
Whitmer on rebuilding the state
In her rebuttal, Whitmer chose not to directly address Dixon’s comments, instead discussing how she plans to rebuild the state.
Whitmer mentioned specific projects she says are up next, saying the state is making progress already.
“It doesn’t end,” Whitmer said “But we’re making headway and we’ve got to put our foot on the gas.”
- Savannah Kuchar
Dixon on "inappropriate content" in libraries
Dixon said the biggest concern she hears from parents is “inappropriate content” in libraries, specifically sexual or pornographic content.
“What these parents are talking about are not textbooks that will help children learn about themselves,” but rather Dixon said books that describe “how to have sex.”
- Savannah Kuchar
Whitmer: ‘I’m trying to keep our kids safe’
Whitmer said the policies Dixon has proposed for keeping kids safe in schools — such as one place of entry and armed guards — still leaves students in danger, referencing a recent shooting this week.
“We’ve been trying that for 30 years and it’s not working,” she said.
She said it’s time to try proven policies like background checks, secure storage and red flag laws.
“I’m not talking about hunting, I’m trying to keep our kids safe,” Whitmer said.
- Rachel Looker
Whitmer on inflation
Whitmer said the world is experiencing inflation, not just the country and a governor can't fix global inflation. However, Whitmer said, she can put "more money" in voters' pockets.
The current governor noted that through a bipartisan effort, the state was able to help families get free or low-cost childcare while also helping other Michiganders receive tuition free skills.
- Sarah Elbeshbishi
Dixon calls Whitmer manipulative
“How manipulative,” Dixon said in rebuttal to Whitmer’s criticism about her social media post, which Dixon said was up 29 days before the school shooting occurred.
Dixon said she has school-aged daughters “that I am concerned about every single day.”
In her response, Dixon said she wants armed security and one entry point at schools, along with ways to identify students struggling with mental health.
- Savannah Kuchar
Whitmer says she supports gun control measures
When asked about “hardening on schools,” Whitmer said, as a mom, she is furious that guns are the number one killer of children. She supports secure storage, red flag laws and background checks.
She claims Dixon’s plans for gun control are “downright dangerous.”
“She (Dixon) might think this is a joke, but I think there’s nothing funny about it,” Whitmer said.
- Rachel Looker
Dixon rebuts Whitmer's claim about school closings
In her rebuttal, Dixon criticized Whitmer for saying that schools in Michigan were closed for three months.
“Perhaps she wasn’t paying attention,” Dixon said about her opponent, adding that: “test scores show she’s being dishonest.”
- Savannah Kuchar
Dixon comments on Whitmer’s “demeanor”
Asked about a 1931 Michigan law that criminalizes abortion, Dixon instead pivoted on her opponent’s demeanor instead. Dixon noted that Whitmer called her an election denier – which she didn’t deny but turned it against Whitmer.
Dixon asked Whitmer whether she’ll say she can’t run with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist anymore since “he is also an election denier,” Dixon said.
Dixon is referring to when Gilchrist asked for a recount in 2017.
- Sarah Elbeshbishi
Whitmer on retirement tax: ‘It’s wrong’
When asked about repealing the retirement tax, Whitmer said the Republican legislature is preventing her from moving forward with a repeal. She said retirees deserve relief and should be able to reap the rewards of work done over a lifetime and not have to face additional taxes when on fixed income. sex selection.
“It was wrong then and it is still wrong,” she said.
- Rachel Looker
More:Whitmer to call for repeal of Michigan pension tax in State of the State address
Dixon on repealing income tax over time
“This is not a radical concept,” said Dixon, citing the nine states that do not have an income tax.
“They are thriving economically,” she said, adding that her plan would help balance the budget and bring more people to the state.
- Savannah Kuchar
Whitmer on repealing the retirement tax
“I am trying to repeal the retirement tax,” Whitmer said, criticizing the Republican-controlled legislature of blocking her efforts.
She said she is hopeful with a new legislature that she will be able to accomplish this goal.
- Savannah Kuchar
Whitmer calls for more alternative energy
On the topic of rising energy costs, Whitmer said energy alternatives are even more important now, calling for more wind and solar options.
“Michigan has the number one – number one – state for clean energy jobs in the country,” Whitmer said.
-- Savannah Kuchar
Whitmer: Republican economic bills are a "gimmick"
Responding to Dixon, Whitmer called the bills dealing with the economy by Republicans “a gimmick.”
“I don’t have time for games and I don’t think you do either,” Whitmer said to Michigan voters.
- Savannah Kuchar
Dixon ‘will accept’ if abortion is codified
If Proposal 3 passes or any court battles result in codifying abortion, Dixon said she will accept that as the will of the people.
“There are no laws that I say I think I’m more powerful than that,” she said.
- Rachel Looker
Dixon: 'The people will decide' on Proposal 3
In her rebuttal on Proposal 3 (abortion referendum), Dixon said that Michiganders will decide what they want in terms of abortion rights, referring to the vote left up to Michigan voters on whether to adopt Proposal 3 to their state's constitution.
Dixon went on to say that Whitmer has the most "radical opinion of abortion" and accused Whitmer on having no restrictions on abortions.
- Sarah Elbeshbishi
Whitmer: Dixon is election denier who would undermine 'will of the people'
When asked if she would accept "the will of the people," Whitmer said: “I think that is a question that should be posed to Mrs. Dixon,” calling her opponent an election denier.
“This isn’t about me,” Whitmer said, returning to the topic of abortion and saying the discussion should be about the women in Michigan.
- Savannah Kuchar
Whitmer asked about abortion in first question
The current governor took on Proposal 3 (abortion referendum) in her first response of the night when asked how she would legislate if parts of the legislation still has to work through the courts.
Whitmer acknowledged that the proposal will guarantee the rights voters had for 40 years under Roe v. Wade, noting that it isn't currently in effect because of Whitmer's lawsuit.
- Sarah Elbeshbishi
'Cannot trust her,' Whitmer says
“You can’t trust anything she says when it comes to reproductive rights,” Whitmer said in her rebuttal, calling Dixon extreme.
She finished her response by advocating for Michigan voters to vote yes on proposal 3, which would enshrine the right to an abortion.
- Savannah Kuchar
More:Proposal 3 on abortion access could leave questions for Michigan Supreme Court to decide
Dixon put family first in opening statement
A mother of four, Dixon focused on what she called her family-friendly plan in her opening remarks.
“As a mom I understand what it’s like to have kids locked out of school,” Dixon said.
She criticized her opponent for pushing what she called a “radical” agenda as governor and causing things like job loss and lower test scores.
Dixon called herself “another opportunity” for Michigan.
- Savannah Kuchar
Whitmer touts record as governor
In her opening statement, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she is a proud Michigander and that she “loves the state.”
She mentioned how she was raised in a bipartisan household and referred to her record as governor focusing on safe jobs and schools, safe roads and communities, emphasizing how she’s worked across the aisle to make sure Michiganders can thrive.
“I am fighting like hell to make sure women can make their own decisions about their bodies,” she said.
Whitmer claimed her opponent, Dixon, will have divisive rhetoric and spread misinformation throughout the debate.
The big question she said, is if the state is going to go backwards or will “drive together toward the future.”
“I say, let’s step on the accelerator,” she said.
- Rachel Looker
How to watch?
The debate will be livestreamed here beginning at 7 p.m. ET on the Detroit Free Press website and aired on local Michigan news stations.
The debate is being held held at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. It's hosted by three local news networks and the university's Center for Civic Engagement, will begin at 7 p.m. and is set to last an hour.
– Ella Lee, Rachel Looker
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Contests to watch:Abortion, voting and COVID-19: Why we're eyeing these 10 governor's races in 2022 midterms
Who is Gretchen Whitmer?
Michigan born and bred, Whitmer was elected as the state’s Democratic governor in 2018, after stints as a state representative and senator, professor at the University of Michigan and prosecutor.
Though Whitmer ran her 2018 campaign primarily on infrastructure, her 2022 reelection campaign has focused largely on her efforts to protect abortion rights in the state after the Supreme Court repealed federal protections, plus her record as governor.
Whitmer’s national profile was raised after federal authorities exposed a plot by militia members to kidnap the Michigan governor ahead of the 2020 election.
-Ella Lee; Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press
Who is Gretchen Whitmer?:3 things to know about the Michigan Governor
Who is Tudor Dixon?
Dixon has peddled former President Donald Trump’s false claims of 2020 election fraud and received his endorsement in July.
Raised in Illinois and college educated in Kentucky before moving to Michigan in 2002, Dixon was previously employed in the steel industry and in media.
– Ella Lee; Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press
What do the polls show?
Poll numbers show Whitmer leading Dixon, with the analysis site FiveThirtyEight placing Michigan's current governor nearly 8 percentage points ahead of her challenger.
Still, it appears Whitmer's strong lead has shrunk as Election Day nears. The Michigan Democrat held an averaged lead of 19 points through mid-August.
– Ella Lee
Where the candidates stand on issues?
The candidates agree on very little, which was on display for voters during their first debate, as Whitmer has highlighted her efforts to protect abortion rights in Michigan while Dixon has focused on attacking Whitmer over her actions as governor, including her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whitmer’s decision to move COVID-positive patients into nursing homes – while barring family from visiting – and keeping schools closed during the pandemic were called mistakes by Dixon. The Republican has attacked Whitmer over poor student performances saying schools were closed for too long, leaving students struggling to catch up.
More:Reading and math test scores fell across US during the pandemic. How did your state fare?
The GOP candidate has also attacked schools themselves, making accusations that Michigan school curricula includes porn and teachers are helping students with gender transitions without the knowledge of their parents.
The current Michigan governor has touted her record, citing the record funding invested in K-12 and major investments in roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects alongside efforts to protect abortion rights in the state. The Trump-backed Dixon supports an abortion ban with no exceptions unless the mother’s life is at risk.
-- Sarah Elbeshbishi; Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press
What happened in the last debate?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican challenger Tudor Dixon had a spirited debate that did not devolve into throwing personal attacks during the last gubernatorial debate held on Oct. 14.
On abortion, Dixon said during the last debate that she doesn't want to criminalize it and referenced a ballot referendum that places the decision in the hands of Michigan voters who will be able to decide whether to explicitly enshrine a woman's reproductive rights in the state constitution.
However, the proposed amendment anticipates accompanying legislation a sitting governor would be asked to sign.
Whitmer, during the last debate, attacked Dixon's record of vetoing Republican bills that would pause taxes on Michigan fuels. Dixon struggled to explain why her proposal made sense over the Republican's state gas tax proposal, one she vetoed.
-- Rachel Looker; Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press
Candidates take the stage
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican challenger Tudor Dixon have taken to their podiums during the second Michigan gubernatorial debate. Both candidates are facing off after a debate held on Oct. 14 where each candidate depicted the other as ill-equipped to lead the state.
The debate is expected to last for one hour.
-- Rachel Looker
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