AG makes campaign stop in Ludington

Attorney General Bill Schuette, right, talks with Willie Reed of Ludington Beverage.

Discusses gay marriage appeal and other topics

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

LUDINGTON — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette was in town today as part of his state-wide campaign kick-off. Schuette met with constituents and supporters at House of Flavors Restaurant in Ludington.

Schuette has made national news this past week for filing an appeal of last week’s decision by a federal judge to overturn Michigan’s same-sex marriage ban, resulting in a stay in the decision.

He discussed with MCP in a little more detail of why he took that action.

“I am defending the marriage clause in Michigan’s constitution, which was adopted in 2004 by 2.7 million people. I look at it this way, I took an oath to defend the Constitution and when it comes to the Constitution you can’t pick and choose.” Schuette explained that his stance is not about same-sex marriage but rather about the rights of the voters.

“We have a system and if the voters want to change this law then I will honor that. If the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down our appeal then I will defend the law.

On Tuesday the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals extended the stay by a 2-1 ruling, meaning the case will make its way through the appellate court and likely to the U.S. Supreme Court, a decision that will likely be made in the summer of 2015 at the earliest.

However, Schuette said there is a similar case from Utah that has made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. He said it is possible that the cases will be tried together.

Schuette also discussed his efforts to fight human trafficking in Michigan. He said because Michigan has an international border that it is more vulnerable to human trafficking.

The AG also talked about his defense of consumers. He sited a recent case involving Michigan propane customers and alleged price gouging.

“You cannot rip off consumers,” he said.

The Republican candidate said he expects to win back his seat by at least 8 points. He said he is also confident that Gov. Rick Snyder will be re-elected governor and that the Republicans will maintain their majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the Michigan legislature.