The Silver Lining for Republicans

It is an obvious understatement to say last night was an historic one for our country. But something remarkable happened for the Republican party in Michigan that many might have overlooked. For the first time in over 100 years, voters elected a black Republican to the House of Representatives.

Michigan, in fact, elected two black Republicans - Larry DeShazor and Paul Scott.

I heard one lady in Chicago's Grant Park last night say, "Now, blacks have shown they can do anything!" Indeed, but this truism is something the party of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. have believed for a long time.

Larry DeShazor and Paul Scott overcame the overwhelming wave of Democratic victories across the state by winning two races that one would have predicted as wins for the Democrats. This is no fluke. I know both Paul and Larry, and I can tell you they are bright and articulate future leaders for the party and our state.

History was made across this country; it was also made right here, in Michigan. I am confident that Larry and Paul will be more than just members of the caucus. They will bring the leadership skills our Republican caucus has sorely needed. As I leave the House caucus at the end of the year, I regret that I will not have the opportunity to serve with these two fine young leaders for our party.

Larry and Paul, my congratulations to you both for winning hard-fought primaries and general elections. You have been tested and you have proved your mettle. I look forward to you leading the way for this great party and for our state. I believe that you two will be keys to bringing our party back to prominence as the party of individual liberty and opportunity for all.