Chris Christie

Susan J. Demas: Can we find common ground on abortion after the Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting?

Like many people who consider themselves pro-choice, I've tried to find common ground with the other side for years.

I've known the joy of motherhood and the sorrow of miscarriage. And I've come out of the experience believing that women and their doctors should be trusted to make healthcare decisions. 

But truthfully, "pro-choice" and "pro-life" aren't accurate labels for many people. Abortion is an intensely personal issue. And for many, it's rather complicated.

We know that half of all pregnancies are unintended. Sometimes they end in abortion. Sometimes parents have kids they're unprepared for — and yes, tragically, sometimes they have children they don't really want. Sometimes it's a happy surprise for everyone.

Read more.

Susan J. Demas: 2016 election has begun, and Electoral College scheme puts Michigan front and center

Don't look now, but the 2016 election has already begun ... before the 2014 election has hit in the history books.

Just look at the slew of '16 presidential wannabes parading through Michigan in the last couple weeks.

Republican Chris Christie has jetted in for Gov. Rick Snyder. Jeb Bush and native son Mitt Romney have also lent a hand to U.S. Senate nominee Terri Lynn Land.

Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden have made the rounds for Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mark Schauer and U.S. Senate hopeful Gary Peters.

Read more.