Michigan gubernatorial candidates clash over economic blame in Detroit debate

Jocelyn Benson and John James traded blame for Michigan’s economic challenges during a Thursday debate in Detroit, with each candidate pinning the state’s current problems on the other party’s leadership. Benson, the Democratic nominee and secretary of state, attributed high costs to President Donald Trump and Republican policies in Washington, while James, the Republican nominee and U.S. Representative, pointed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and eight years of Democratic control in Lansing.

Both candidates centered their messaging on affordability, though they proposed different solutions. James argued that clean energy policies have driven up energy prices and advocated for spending cuts to lower property and income taxes. Benson countered by highlighting federal cuts to healthcare programs and proposed a weighted funding model for schools to reduce reliance on property taxes.

The debate also featured a dispute over trade policy, with James highlighting federal legislation to offset tariff costs for manufacturers and Benson outlining a plan for subnational trade agreements with Canada. James questioned the legality of Benson’s approach, calling it similar to smuggling, while Benson defended the plan as a way to protect Michigan jobs and lower costs for consumers.

Read the full story at iosconews.com.