President Trump seems to prefer warmer climates in January, but it was probably worth a shot, right? The speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Lee Chatfield, has offered his chamber to the president for the State of the Union address.
State Rep. Lee Chatfield
As you probably know, Chatfield's counterpart in Washington, Nancy Pelosi, shaded the big man big-time when she asked him to postpone the marquee event until the government reopens, although she also indicated it was fine if he wanted to just drop off the text and call it done.
Chatfield, who it should not surprise you to learn is a Republican from northern Michigan, couldn't let that insult slide. He dashed off a letter reading, in part:
There is no higher loyalty or obligation than to the people we serve and the communities we represent, and no partisan gamesmanship should stand in the way of that service. Because of that, this chamber and this speaker are willing to put people before politics for this important occasion.
We also have a divided government in our state, but Republicans in Michigan understand that the success of our Democratic governor means the success of Michigan. Even though we will disagree, we will always work together to improve the lives of our local families and seniors, because we have a solemn responsibility to do so. However, because some have chosen to stand in the way of your official duties, we would be honored to host you in our Capitol for this necessary address to our nation.
Washington, D.C. may be bogged down in partisan politics, but Michigan is different. Michigan helped build this country, and we know how to get things done. In the Great Lakes state, we roll up our sleeves and work hard every day. That includes working collaboratively, regardless of party, and together we can prove it to the rest of the country.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should make note of that working-together stuff. Just to have it in her back pocket, you know.
