ABC-SEMI Issue 1, 2019

12 The political television ads have ended, and the campaign literature has been thrown away but the fight for protecting merit shop values is just beginning. The 2018 midterm results revealed a desire to shift the Michigan political makeup away from those who support free enterprise philosophies with adversaries taking control of top office positions. THE ELECTION RESULTS BY THE NUMBERS: The Changing Landscape An interesting take away from election night is that the Republican party has seen an erosion of support from traditionally merit shop sympathetic suburban counties in Southeast Michigan. One prime example is the shifting support in Oakland county. Historically, the county has been a conservative stronghold in Michigan, however, this cycle’s results indicated that there is reshaping occurring. Not only did the county favor Democrats on the ticket but there was overwhelming support for female candidates. This cycle is evidence that women are becoming more engaged in politics and policy on both sides of the aisle than ever before. What does this mean for Merit Shop contractors? Considering that the Republican party retained both the Michigan House and Senate, anti- merit shop legislation seems rather unlikely. However, with a Democrat in the Governors’ office, she will have the ability to effect merit shop contractors through executive actions, especially, through defunding programs that are vital to our workforce and training efforts. While this was not a “red wave” for Michigan Republicans, the people have spoken, and we must be prepared to protect the wins that ABC of Michigan, State affiliate chapters, and our partners have worked hard to accomplish. 3  Democrats won all available statewide executive branch offices 1  Democrat incumbent won U.S. Senate seat 2  Democrats flipped U.S. House seats 3  Ballot proposals passed overwhelmingly 22  Republicans won State Senate seats, retaining the majority 58  Republicans won State House seats, retaining the majority 80%  Success rate of ABC of Michigan endorsed State Senate candidates 87%  Success rate of ABC of Michigan endorsed State House candidates Oakland County 2014 Governor’s Race Election Results Oakland County 2018 Governor’s Race Election Results THE ABC s OF POLITICS Midterm Report: GOP Maintains State Legislature, Loses Top of the Ticket Source: Oakland County Clerk