Abstract

Old Guard vs. New in Michigan

The article focuses on the competition for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives between John Dingell and Lynn Rivers. The Dingell-Rivers race illustrates the ideological and generational differences that strain the fabric of the Democratic Party's big tent. Dingell is an old school Democrat, a former National Rifle Association board member, a frequent foe of efforts to protect abortion rights and an ally of Southern conservative Democrats and Republicans when it comes to giving the Pentagon what it wants. On the other hand, Rivers is skeptical about the corporate agenda, especially on environmental issues, an enthusiastic backer of gun control, 100 percent pro-choice and one of the most consistent questioners of Pentagon excesses and military adventurism in Congress.