The Michigan 2024 Senatorial Primary-Go-Round

Crain's Detroit Business - July 17, 2023

The field of Democratic candidates vying to fill Michigan's U.S. Senate seat that will be open in 2024 with the retirement of Sen. Debbie Stabenow seems to grow weekly. The race is shaping up to be anything but boring, with candidates from a variety of backgrounds and professions. Don't stand up until the primary-go-round has come to a complete stop, or at least until it's time to vote a year from now!

Personal note: After 28 years, the cartoon above was my last for Crain's Detroit Business. It was a wonderful gig that spanned three decades of my life (just a few months shy of four!) and it was fulfilling, rewarding and exciting. I want to thank all the Crain's editors who had the patience to work with me, but especially my longest and closest collaborator, Michael Lee. I often joked with him that he should co-sign some of my cartoons because his contributions were frequently so significant. In the past few years, we even started thinking alike; and for that, Michael, I apologize - I hope you recover!

Over the next weeks, heck maybe months, I'm going to post some of my favorites. I hope they'll stir some memories of issues and people from the past. If you're so inclined, please feel free to comment too; either here on this blog, or send me an email: dan@dansaadcartoons.com

Thanks for taking a look at what I've had to say throughout the years!

Michigan Autumn - When the Leaves Turn and the Politicians Turn on Each Other

Crain's Detroit Business, October 7

One of the best things about living in Michigan is the changing of the seasons, and we can always be sure that as the leaves turn in autumn, our politicians will turn on each other in budget season.
That's the Point!

A Little Less Pumpkin Spice (Yay!)

The News-Herald, October 2

With Michigan's ban on flavored vapes taking effect at the start of autumn, at least we're spared a little bit of pumpkin spice in the air!
That's the Point!

Cartoon of the Week: Got You Covered (?)

Crain's Detroit Business - June 10

In Michigan, we all know that auto insurance is expensive - too expensive. We also know there's a lot of debate regarding levels of coverage, "regional" pricing and related issues. Well, thanks to the bipartisan hard work of our legislators, all that was fixed with the recently passed auto insurance reform legislation. Now, premiums will go down, and we're still covered! Uh … right?
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: This week's cartoon was a true collaborative effort with my CDB editor, Mike Lee. From these two original concept drawings, I took elements that became a much more effective presentation of the issue. The "hanging in the air" visual reinforces the uncertainty regarding this reform package; and the edited secondary gag more effectively supports the punch line.

Cartoon of the Day: One Toke Over the Line?

Crain's Detroit Business, December 3

The majority of Michigan voters OK'd recreational use of marijuana a month ago. Now, state officials just have to sort out licensing regulations, applicable taxes and other details relating to sales and distribution. Never underestimate the power of bureaucracy to screw up a good thing! Note: the character on the right is completely fictional. He's not, nor is he based on, anybody I know!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Winter - NOT a 'Blast' Now

The News-Herald - February 24

I drew this for my News-Herald readers Downriver, but it certainly applies to everyone in the metro Detroit area. Feel free to substitute "Detroit" or "Michigan" or the name of your hometown for "Downriver" and then let's collectively cross our fingers and hope that this is winter's last blast!
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Constitutionally Speaking

Crain's Detroit Business - September 3

Every 16 years, the citizens of Michigan have the opportunity to hold a Constitutional Convention to review and update (if necessary) our state's foundational document - in accordance with the State Constitution itself. Two years ago, voters opted not to hold a Constitutional Convention, but here we are 24 months later, with four ballot proposals aimed at doing what? Amending the State Constitution! Without judging the validity of the individual proposals, it seems to me that if the State Constitution needs that much tweaking, let's hold a Constitutional Convention and bring the whole darn thing into the 21st Century.
That's the Point!

Off the Drawing Board: My roughs to my Crain's Detroit Business editor for September 3 focused on aspects of the upcoming election. As you can see, the rough we developed for this week's edition started a little differently. For the final, I thought it had more impact to show four "ballot proposal" characters (almost implying that the State Constitution is out numbered); but I switched the dialogue to the State Constitution character, to give it a stronger (somewhat defiant) tone to its challengers.

- DS

CARTOON of the DAY: Oh My! Where to Find Work?

Crain's Detroit Business - March 28
Automation Alley, Tech Town, now Robot Town coming - possibly - by 2014; all examples of viable ways to diversify Michigan's economy - just like Michigan's FILM INDUSTRY! Keep Automation Alley, keep Tech Town, welcome Robot Town, and KEEP MICHIGAN'S FILM TAX CREDIT!
That's (still) the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: A Little More Than Their Share

Crain's Detroit Business - March 14
Michigan's new Governor, Rick Snyder, campaigned saying that the state needs to be run like a business , and that he would run it like a CEO - a role he was accustomed to filling. He's quickly learned, however, that unlike a CEO, whatever a governor says doesn't necessarily go; and while a company is full of employees, a state is full of voters with opinions of their own.
That's the Point!

CARTOON of the DAY: Lights, Camera, Legislative Action!

Crain's Detroit Business - February 28
At a time when Michigan so desperately needs to diversify its business mix to rebuild its economy and retain its talent, Governor Synder is proposing the elimination of Michigan's Film Tax Credit; which would effectively "Cut!" the growth of this emerging industry. I believe we cannot let this happen ... it's time to tell our legislators to save this new industry, and make Michigan stronger and more diverse!
That's the Point!