Editorial: Elissa Slotkin is the best choice for 8th District Congress

LSJ Editorial Board | Lansing State Journal

Elissa Slotkin may be a political rookie, but she’s not a newcomer to Washington or public service.

The U.S. House 8th District candidate served three tours in Iraq with the Central Intelligence Agency before working in both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama White Houses.

Her understanding of the military and national security issues – as well as her passion for ensuring access to health care for all Americans and protecting our Great Lakes – will serve her well as a freshman legislator.

That’s why the LSJ Editorial Board is endorsing Slotkin, a Democrat, for the 8th District seat.

Slotkin points to her opponent’s role in trying to gut the Affordable Care Act in 2017 as the catalyst in her decision to seek office. She says she wants to be part of a new generation of leadership that puts people and progress over politics.

That may seem idealistic in this hyper-partisan climate. Yet Slotkin has negotiated war zones and the West Wing. She won’t be intimidated by Congress.

Incumbent Republican Mike Bishop has failed to demonstrate his commitment to the western portions of the 8th District.

LSJ Editorial: Gretchen Whitmer is the right choice for Michigan's next Governor

LSJ Editorial: Re-elect Debbie Stabenow to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate

LSJ Editorial: Gretchen Driskell is the best choice for 7th District Congress

He closed the district’s Lansing office during his tenure (predecessor Mike Rogers maintained an office here) and has been inaccessible to average voters, failing to hold in-person meetings in 2017 when his constituents were angry and concerned about potential changes to the Affordable Care Act.

The people of the 8th District deserve a representative who will listen to their concerns. Slotkin deserves the opportunity to do just that.

– an LSJ editorial

---

The LSJ Editorial Board speaks for the LSJ as an institution. Editorials do not carry an individual byline because stances on issues are never decided by one person. Contact the board by emailing opinions@lsj.com. For the full wrap-up of 2018 LSJ election endorsements, click here.