September 16, 2008
Whitmer Nets Maximum Attention
Ever since Maxim rated State Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) Number 8 on its World’s Hottest Politicians list this month, she’s been getting a lot more attention on the Senate floor. It seems her colleagues, especially a certain Sen. Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), can’t resist ragging on her.
“My head hasn’t gotten bigger over this,” she declares. “I’ve taken a lot of teasing.”
With its usual groan-worthy prose, the men’s magazine refers to Whitmer as the state’s “finest legislator” and nominates her to the “Leering Committee.” (What do you expect when the slideshow’s tagline is, “Is it hot in here, or is it just global warming?”) The 23rd District senator says she’d rather be recognized on a list for constituent services or toughest legislators, but says she’s trying to take her confirmation of hotness “with a grain of salt.”
Whitmer, 36, said Maxim never contacted her and she has yet to receive an award for her babe-worthiness. She first heard about the list from a friend of her brother’s in California and didn’t believe it.
The mother of two’s professional headshot is mixed in with busty photos of Canadian legislator Ruby Dhalla (No. 3) and Italian Cabinet member Mara Carfagna (No. 1.) GOP vice presidential nominee Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the runner-up, surprising no one.
We couldn’t resist asking Whitmer, widely considered the Democrats’ early favorite to run for state attorney general in 2010, if making the list would put her on a fast track for the veep slot next time around — which made the progressive lawmaker chuckle. “This is the only thing Sarah Palin and I could appear on together,” she says, quite seriously. “Making the list is the only thing we have in common.”
Mackinac Center Turns 20
John Stossel, the “20/20” co-anchor best know for his libertarian commentaries and “Give Me a Break” segments, is taking his act to East Lansing. He’ll headline the Mackinac Center for Public Policy’s 20th anniversary gala on November 11 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
The Midland-based free-market think tank has undergone significant changes, most recently with James Lehman starting as president on September 1. Lehman, who first joined the Center in 1995, takes the reins from Lawrence Reed. After serving at the helm for the Mackinac Center’s first two decades, Reed now serves as president emeritus.
The think tank’s influence can be felt across Michigan, from its ideas on school choice to budget cuts. Many Republican legislators don’t make a policy move without consulting the Center, which began with a budget of $80,000 and two employees. Today, the Center has a more than $4-million budget and almost 30 employees.
Tickets are not yet available, but check back at www.mackinac.org.
Women’s Hall Of Fame Fetes 8
Seven Michigan women will join the ranks of first lady Betty Ford, Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn and civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. They’ll be honored at the 25th annual Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on October 15.
About 100 women were nominated this year, and the winners were selected by two panels of judges from across the Great Lakes State. More than 200 women grace the walls of the Hall of Fame at 213 West Main Street in Lansing.
The four Contemporary Division Honorees are feminist author Carol Atkins; Patricia Cuza, the first executive director of the Michigan Women’s Commission; filmmaker Carol King; and juvenile justice, labor and women’s rights activist Vicki Neiberg. The three Historical Division Honorees are Leta Snow, founder of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra; Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, thought to be the nation’s first Native American literary writer; and former Madonna University President Sister Mary Francilene Van de Vyver.
Thomas Wilson, who has been at the forefront for gender equity in Michigan high school athletics, will receive the Philip A. Hart Award.
The banquet begins at 5 p.m. and will be held at the Sheraton Detroit Novi. Tickets are $125. For more information, call the Michigan Women’s Historical Center at 517.484.1880.
Susan J. Demas is a 2006 Knight Foundation Fellow in nonprofits journalism and a political analyst for Michigan Information & Research Service.
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