By D’Anne Witkowski, Senior Copywriter
Dear Ohio,
Hi there. It’s me, Michigan. I know that things have been kind of strained between us. That we’re always positioned as enemies even though, let’s face it, we’re basically siblings. Yeah, we like to argue about who’s older. I became a state in 1837, you became a state in 1803. But then there’s that whole thing about you being kind of illegitimate until 1953. But who’s counting really?
Then there’s that whole football rivalry. Man, Michigan vs. Ohio State. Hoo boy. That sure does get some people riled up. We’ve been battling it out since 1897. For the past couple years I’ve been kicking your ass. Though, let’s face it, you kicked mine for the past, like, 20. But again, who’s counting?
Of course, we definitely have our differences politically. Back in 2016 we both went for Trump, attracted to his brash attitude and devil-may-care approach to everything. But I realized what a bad idea that was and went for Biden in 2020. You, on the other hand. You really went all in on what was clearly a terrible decision. Honestly, I felt embarrassed for you. I still do.
And then there’s our respective state governments. I’ve got a Democratic majority across the board while you’ve got a Republican one. Again, somebody has made a bad choice (and it’s not me).
But there is one issue that has, surprisingly, brought us together. And that issue is abortion. I didn’t see it coming, I have to say. And I am sorry for ever doubting you. But, with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade and all, states passing abortion rights proposals became all the rage. And I do mean rage. People were PISSED. So when my voters smashed the hell out of that YES button for Proposal 3: Reproductive Freedom for All, I can’t help but think that you got inspired. Sure, Montana and Kentucky also voted in favor of abortion rights in 2022, but we both know it was me you were watching.
And Ohio Republicans were watching, too. And they sure tried to stop your voters from pulling a Michigan. But your voters weren’t having it. First they rejected a proposal that would have required a supermajority to pass citizen led initiatives. Then they turned around and passed Issue 1, a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights, so fast it made Republican heads spin.
You did it, buddy. I never thought I’d say this, at least not out loud, but I’m proud of you.
But then there’s your whole Republican majority thing. That’s a bad look. See, in Michigan we passed Proposal 3 AND swept a Democratic majority into the state government. That Democratic majority went to work further protecting abortion rights, like repealing the 1931 law that criminalized abortion. A zombie law that Republicans were hot to give mouth to mouth to.
Sadly your Republican majority hasn’t been, how shall we say it, very cool about Issue 1. They definitely want to take reproductive rights away. And I can’t say I trust them to respect the will of the voters. That’s why my voters kicked our Republicans to the curb.
Ohio we’ve got our fingers crossed that you’ll make better political decisions going forward. The passage of Issue 1 was very encouraging! Truly brings a tear to our Great Lakes.
So when we meet on the football field on Nov. 25, squaring off in front of thousands of fans, maybe my players will lay down their helmets on the field and embrace yours on the 50 yard line to celebrate the humanity we have in common.
Ha ha. Just kidding Michigan will kick Ohio’s ass until it turns a nice shade of blue.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention. TGP is opening a new office. In Ohio. They’ve helped along blue waves in Michigan. They’ve successfully helped some blue waves crest in Indiana, too. And now they’re coming for you, Ohio. I don’t mean that in a menacing way. More like, “Hey, I can tell that you need help and I’m sending you my best.” My best progressive marketing company, that is. And they can’t wait to help you Go Blue.