Article courtesy of MIRS News Service
With Tuesday’s election signaling a blue tsunami and a more progressive direction for House Democrats, House Republicans signaled a tonal shift of their own Thursday, electing a new leader who declared that “Democrats are not the enemy.”
Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) will replace Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) as Republican leader as they head into the minority next term after losing 11 seats Tuesday. This is a notable choice after Kunse challenged Hall for leadership two years ago.
Sources indicate a total of four Republicans sought the post: Kunse, Hall, Rep. Mike Harris (R-Clarkston) and Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton). The race went three ballots, with DeSana losing in the first round, Harris dropping off in the second round and Kunse defeating Hall by two votes on the third ballot.
Following this result, Kunse’s message Thursday marked a departure in tone from Hall’s more confrontational approach to Democrats, emphasizing professionalism and working across the aisle.
“Democrats are not the enemy. Being 45th in education is the enemy,” Kunse said. “You’re not going to read about our differences on Facebook because we’re going to go into the office” and discuss them.
When asked how his leadership might differ from Hall’s, Kunse said he might be “a little bit slower to respond,” but praised the outgoing Speaker’s resilience.
“Winston Churchill won the war, and then they decided it was time for a change,” Kunse said. “I have nothing but respect for Matt Hall. It was time for a change.”
Kunse also asserted that he didn’t blame Hall for the loss of 11 seats.
The Minority Leader-Elect pointed to affordability, education, healthcare costs, public safety and individual liberties as priorities, though he acknowledged the newly elected leadership team had yet to develop a detailed policy agenda.
More news on the Republican side: Rep. Mike Harris (R-Clarkston) will serve as Minority Floor Leader next term, with Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) as Minority Whip.
The remainder of the incoming Republican leadership team includes:
- Assistant Republican Leader: Rachelle Smit (R-Shelbyville);
- Assistant Republican Floor Leader: Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs);
- Assistant Republican Floor Leader: Josh Schriver (R-Oxford);
- Deputy Republican Whip: Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy);
- Caucus Chair: Ken Borton (R-Gaylord); and
- Caucus Vice Chair: Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township).
Click here for more News & Resources.