(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/12/2022) Republican Tudor Dixon said she doesn't believe abortion is the top issue of the 2022 gubernatorial campaign and said it's time the media stop reporting on it like it is.
Education, "corruption in Lansing," infrastructure and crime are the issues people are bringing up to her when she's talking to voters. and said it's time these issues get a thorough airing as opposed to abortion policy after the overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision.
"I would like the opportunity to talk to people about what my plans are for the important issues in this race," Dixon said on this week's MIRS Monday podcast (13:10). "So far, when we've had reporting on the gubernatorial race, it seems as though the focus has been on an issue that has nothing to do with the governor's race, which is abortion."
The comments come after Dixon tweeted Friday, "Let me know when you all want to do your job. I'm up for a real interview about issues the next Governor will actually impact whenever the press cares to do its job & tell the truth.
"Whitmer destroyed lives and livelihoods, yet none of you silver spoon blue check marks care."
An Aug. 18-23 EPIC-MRA survey of 600 likely voters found that a 19% plurality said abortion was their top state issue, 15% education, 12% infrastructure, 11% gun violence in schools, 9% affordable health care and 8% drugs and crime. The economy and inflation were not offered as subjects because those issues were viewed as national in scope.
Pressed on whether state governments are in charge of regulating abortion now that Roe v. Wade was overturned, Dixon said, "That's not something that the Governor has any impact over and it is not the No. 1 issue when I'm out on the campaign trail. People can't afford their groceries or gas. This is an issue being pushed in the media . . .
"This is just an emotional issue the governor is trying to push out there to cover up her record."
Incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to appear on social media about her support for reproductive freedom. MIRS counted 145 abortion-related tweets since the Dobbs decision came out between June 24 and Aug. 30.
Whitmer added another one today, tweeting, "Abortion is a fundamental right -- and I will keep fighting like hell to defend it." The Democratic Governors Association has spent $6 million on anti-Dixon TV ads designed to make her look extreme on the abortion issue.
However, Dixon said the Governor has not come out and said where she stands on abortion. "She has no limits and that's concerning to me."
Whitmer spokesperson Maeve Coyle said last week that the Governor does not support unrestricted access to abortion care up to the point of birth.
"Those attacks are false, and they are reprehensible attempts to mislead and scare people as Republicans like Tudor Dixon work night and day to rip away Michigan women's fundamental rights," Coyle said.
Dixon was asked on the Sept. 27, 2021, MIRS Monday podcast (45:22) about her position on abortion and the state's 1931 law that bans it. Dixon answered three different questions on the subject at that time with, "no exceptions" when it came to abortion.
She said Monday that she wasn't specifically asked about the life of the mother and she does support an exception for life of the mother.
A Detroit News poll from last week found that 64% of respondents believe Michigan should maintain its parental consent law for minors under 18 seeking an abortion. The 1991 law also allows those teenagers who fear to obtain this consent to seek an exception from the probate court.
When asked if the Governor supports parental consent for minors before they seek an abortion. Coyle said:
"Governor Whitmer is currently taking direct action to preserve abortion access in Michigan that makes her position on existing Michigan laws clear. Her lawsuit challenges the 1931 ban that would throw doctors and nurses in jail, which Tudor Dixon calls "a good law" and has pledged to enforce. If successful, Governor Whitmer's lawsuit will maintain all of Michigan's current abortion restrictions."
