Whitmer adds veteran Democratic lawmaker, former deputy AG to executive team
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The former firebrand of the Michigan Senate and the lead deputy attorney general who helped ensure Michiganders had the right to an abortion after the reversal of Roe v. Wade are joining Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive team.
Curtis Hertel Jr. is Whitmer's new director of legislative affairs while Christina Grossi is her new chief general counsel, according to a news release issued Wednesday.
“Our new team members bring years of experience to their roles," Whitmer said. “I look forward to working with them to get things done that make a real difference in people’s lives. Let’s take advantage of our economic momentum to lower costs for working families and move Michigan forward.”
The director of legislative affairs coordinates lobbying on the governor's behalf at the statehouse. The chief general counsel serves as the governor's lead lawyer.
The governor also announced additional legislative liaisons and new budget office staffers, moves that come as Whitmer prepares to start her second term as governor, this time with Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.
More:Michigan judge issues indefinite ban on criminalizing abortions in key Michigan counties
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Grossi led abortion legal fight
Grossi spent a dozen years working for the Office of the Michigan Attorney General after graduating from Western Michigan University's Cooley Law School. Most recently she served as chief deputy attorney general, a post that put her in the national spotlight earlier this year.
After Whitmer filed a lawsuit to block enforcement of a 1931 law that criminalized most abortions in the event Roe was overturned at the U.S. Supreme Court, it fell to Grossi and others to publicly defend that suit. Grossi played a key role in ensuring an Oakland County judge issued an injunction that prevented enforcing the ban, delivering at times impassioned and pointed statements during legal proceedings in the late summer.
"Women are upset because our bodies are regulated, and they are politicized in ways that men's bodies are never politicized or regulated. And women are upset and angry because some people suggest that our rights are subject to popular vote while a man's rights are bestowed upon him at birth," Grossi said during closing arguments.
While serving under Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette she was a key figure in the state's work investigating Michigan State University and its handling of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. More recently, she wrote one of two legal memos outlining alleged criminal activity by then-Republican attorney general candidate Matthew DePerno and others related to their efforts to undermine the 2020 election results. DePerno has denied wrongdoing.
She replaces Nick Bagley as chief legal counsel. Appointed earlier this year, Bagley is returning to his role as a professor at the University of Michigan law school.
Hertel a familiar name in Lansing
Hertel, D-East Lansing, recently completed two terms as a state senator. He was known both for his work behind the scenes to push for Democratic issues but also for his zealous public rebukes of Republican ideas he found repugnant.
"Proud to share that as of January 1st I will serve as legislative director for Governor Gretchen Whitmer. I Look forward to continuing in public service and being part of a great team!" Hertel tweeted Wednesday.
Hertel is a household name in Michigan politics. Hertel's father, Curtis Hertel Sr., served in the state Legislature for years, including as speaker of the House in 1997 and 1998. Hertel's brother, Kevin, was just elected to represent parts of Macomb, St. Clair and Wayne counties in the state Senate. Hertel's wife, Elizabeth, is the director of Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services. The couple has four children.
Whitmer's news release notes Hertel "will work with members, several of whom he has served with, to deliver on the kitchen-table issues." There are very few "revolving door" prohibitions in Michigan on lawmakers leaving office to become lobbyists, either for public or private entities.
Other additions to the governor's staff include:
Kristi James, as the new deputy director of legislative affairs for the state Senate. She previously worked in a comparable role with the House.
Ryan Bardoni, as the new deputy director of legislative affairs for the state House. He previously served as deputy chief of staff for departing House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski, D-Scio Township.
Jada Weatherspoon, as associate liaison for the House. She previously served as a House staff member.
Korey Hall, as Detroit regional director. He previously served as Whitmer's director of community affairs.
Whitmer also announced two additions to the state Budget Office:
Kyle Guerrant, as the new deputy budget director. He recently served as deputy superintendent of finance and operations at the Michigan Department of Education.
Libby McGaughey as director of external and legislative affairs. She last served as Lasinski's chief of staff.
Contact Dave Boucher: Dboucher@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer adds veteran Democratic lawmaker, former deputy AG to staff
