(WWJ) -- Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Republican Gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon were among the thousands of people taking part in the annual Mackinac Bridge walk this Labor Day.
Both candidates spoke with WWJ's Greg Bowman on Monday morning.
"Labor Day is an important holiday in America, celebrating the work and the progress the labor movement has delivered for people and families," said Gilchrist, "especially in Michigan, one of the homes of the labor movement."
"It's just a great sign of people coming together after some really tough years," Dixon said. "What a great sign of being a unified state coming together, walking together, and joining our two peninsulas."
The candidates also discussed the upcoming midterm elections. While Whitmer and Gilchrist have a 6-year track record that has been praised by some and condemned by others, Dixon and her running mate, Shane Hernandez, are working to increase their name recognition across the state.
Related
One of the issues the two candidates addressed was election integrity.
The Lt. Governor is proud of the way the last two Michigan elections have run under Gov. Whitmer's administration. He cited record turnout among voters and a lack of credible challenges to the election process.
Dixon, however, feels that the current administration overstepped its power during the 2020 election. She criticized Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for making changes to election rules, including sending absentee ballots to all eligible voters, without consulting the state legislature.
Bowman also asked both Gilchrist and Dixon about the contentious debate over abortion rights.
Lt. Gov. Gilchrist spoke to how important the issue of choice will be in the coming midterm elections. He also discussed the drastic difference between the two candidates' platforms.
"The contrast could not be more clear," Gilchrist said, "about where Governor Whitmer and I stand on believing that women should have the right to define their family and their futures in the way that they see fit, against our opponents, who have a very radical vision that is against women and against choice."
Dixon did not give a direct answer about her views on abortion, saying only that she would uphold the law if elected.
"I've always said that I would support the law, whatever the law is," Dixon said. "Unlike Gretchen Whitmer, who's come out and said that she won't support certain laws on the books, I've always said that I will support whatever the law is."
What exactly the law will be regarding abortion is yet to be decided. A ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights was blocked by the state canvassing board last week, but the group behind the ballot measure is still hoping the Michigan Supreme Court will step in.
Listen to Lt. Gov. Gilchrist's full interview.
Listen to Tudor Dixon's full interview.
Related
Related
