DETROIT, MI -- A Detroit-area woman pleaded guilty to killing her friend with a crockpot during a drunken argument over presidential politics last October.

Tewanna E. Sullivan, a 51-year-old Detroit-area woman was accused of killing her 66-year-old friend, Cheryl Livy, in a Livonia apartment.

Sullivan on Thursday pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while mentally ill. In exchange, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy's Office dismissed a more serious charge of first-degree premeditated murder, which carries a punishment of automatic life in prison.

Sullivan faces a sentence of between 23 and 50 years in prison, based on the plea agreement, Worthy's office said in a statement.

The argument that sparked the violence dealt with presidential politics, the Associated Press reports.

Sullivan's attorney, John L. McWilliams, told WDIV-TV, Channel 4 News his client registered a blood-alcohol level of .41, more than five times the legal driving limit in Michigan.

McWilliams told Hometownlife.com Sullivan suffered mental issues possibly resulting from surgeries she underwent to deal with a brain aneurysm in 2009.

Sullivan underwent a mental exam and in January was found competent to stand trial, which was scheduled to begin Monday.