The Senate race in Michigan is getting close, with polls being tallied every day, it could be anyone’s job.
In the upcoming Senate election the two headliners are Republican John James and Democrat Gary Peters. Election day is Nov. 3rd, and many are wondering what each man’s point of view is on major topics.
COVID-19
James believes the best way to combat the spread of COVID-19 is to enforce the stay-at-home orders. He also believes that the government should not force people to wear masks when they are in public. Instead, just rely on social distancing, washing our hands and staying indoors.
Peters, on the other hand, believes it should be the government’s responsibility to be enforcing the idea that people need to wear a mask when out in public on top of staying at home as much as possible.
In a C-Span broadcast, when speaking to the House of Representatives, Peters said his top priority is to protect the health and safety of Michiganders. During his speech he endorsed the release of stimulus checks to help those who need it most.
Care Acts
James, when interviewed back in 2018 during the Senate primary, had expressed opposition to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and suggested repealing it.
Recently, MLive covered a town hall meeting in Bloomfield Township in which both candidates were present to answer questions on various topics. James then stated that he had changed his viewing of the ACA.
James has recently begun to support the act, stating the bill should stay in place, but with improvements. However, he neglected to enlighten the audience on his thoughts of what improvements should be put in place.
Most recently, in a second interview on Oct. 18 with WDIV 4 News in Detroit, when asked about reforms he would bring to the existing policy he deflected in answering the question directly and instead his responses were ones that refute his previous stances.
James has said that he wants continued coverage for people with preexisting conditions and that regulation reform should be taking place.
When looking into the ACA, the policy does already cover individuals with preexisting conditions. With the statements James made within the interview his suggestions of regulation reform and market-based coverage would in fact get rid of this aspect within the policy.
Peters, on the other hand, since the beginning of his campaign in 2015, has wanted to put Michiganders first and one of the ways he plans to do this is by supporting the ACA.
According to MLive, he has been pushing the Trump administration to open an emergency enrollment period so people can gain coverage through the national care act. The act within Michigan has already helped one million residents thus far.
Peters believes an open enrollment period could help more residents. He has also expressed support for legislation to continue making improvements to the ACA.
Planned Parenthood
Peters has been an avid speaker endorsing Planned Parenthood and their services to women by providing not only preventative care, but also cancer screenings and wellness exams.
Most recently Peters has been making headlines as he spoke out about how an abortion saved his ex-wife’s life.
In an article by the Washington Post, Peters described how when he was married to his now ex-wife, Heidi, they were expecting a child together.
At four months, however, serious complications with Heidi’s pregnancy occurred. Peters and his ex-wife had gone to see the doctor to see if anything could be done, but because of the severity of the situation the baby would not make it through to the end of nine months.
When asked for an abortion from their doctor the hospital refused to do it and told them to wait for a miscarriage. As they waited, not only were thing’s turning for the worst for their child, but for Heidi too. Her health began to go downward quickly. Peters and his ex-wife then went to a Planned Parenthood appointment and received assistance for the sake of keeping Heidi alive.
Since then Peters has been thankful for the services provided by Planned Parenthood and stands by them and continues fighting for coverage of individuals who require their attention.
James is on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to Planned Parenthood. He is a pro-life advocate who has pledged to fight until abortion ends.
James has made it public that he is a Christian at heart and believes the killing of unborn children is wrong. He has made many public statements openly stating he supports efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.
James has made strong statements against abortion that has gotten him great endorsements from pro-life organizations such as Right to Life and the Susan B. Anthony List. Both organizations have donated thousands of dollars to keep him in the race, stating that it is vital to have a senator that is pro-life in Michigan.
Two sides, one difficult choice
While there are two competent men running for Senate, it certainly will not be an easy choice to make in this upcoming election. What will be an easy choice is deciding whether to vote or not.
This 2020 election is one that will shape our country the most, and it has been highly encouraged to all those who can vote, to go out and do so. Let your voice be heard.
AM