The end of an era is upon us in Michigan. Carl Levin, the state’s senior Senator who with his older brother Sandy made the Levin name a powerhouse on Capitol Hill (in squash and in policy) has announced his retirement. Levin’s departure marks the end of a long career which was defined by decency and collegiality.
If Senators had three year terms, Levin probably would’ve gone one more time. But age may have been a deciding factor against seeking a new term that would take him to age 86. And for a Senator who thrived on negotiating, frustration likely was up there as well. The Chuck Hagel nomination that Levin shepherded exposed bitterness, which Levin did not hesitate to call out. For a Senator whose proclivity to take a deal rests on it’s soundness and not sound bites, that had to have been frustrating.
It’s rare that anyone can serve even one term in Congress without a dagger being aimed at your reputation, so for Levin to go for 36 years is impressive indeed. In fact, that’s how he thrived. Time Magazine in 2006 named him one of the 10 best Senators.
Levin never served with Phil Hart, but far more resembled him than his first colleague, Don Riegel. The latter wasn’t corrupt, but was thought by many to have his hand in the cookie jar during the savings and loan crisis. Levin wasn’t nearly as flashy as Riegel, but that was what was so refreshing. Riegel was dazzling, politically prim and looking for places to go. Levin, as described by the “Almanac of American Politics” was rumpled and unfashionable.” He was deliberative, congenial, approachable, and most important, practical. Warmth was also a hallmark. He was routinely seen on the Hill with his wife and did not display the aura of a high ranking Senator when approached by strangers. Perhaps those traits helped guide his legislative portfolio, as he was an early, ardent proponent of Ethics Reform and campaign finance.
But Levin was no pushover. He could be very blunt. When he was trying to protect Michigan’s early role in the 2008 Presidential nomination process, Harold Ickes asked him a series of questions. He replied that questions for, five and six were so lengthy that he had forgotten questions one, two, and three.” In 2010, when questioning Goldman Sachs Executives, he publicly used the term “shitty deal” nearly a dozen times.
But colleagues knew of Levin’s penchant for wanting a deal so when they wanted one too, Levin was the person they approached. He negotiated an impeachment inquiry with Slade Gorton, a Republican of Washington. He facilitated the renewal of the Independent Counsel law (which many opposed altogether) with Bill Cohen. And during his long tenure as either Chair or ranking member of Armed Services, he had a true partnership with the committee’s top Republicans, John Warner and John McCain.
However, the anger that he displayed toward the new ranking member and other committee Republicans (Ted Cruz) was palpable.
Levin’s zest for accountability and protecting government whistleblowers was legendary. So was his disregard for political ramifications. Levin’s “no” on the Iraq War resolution was notable because he was up for re-election in 2002. It wouldn’t have made much difference, but it’s worth noting that even more dovish Senator Tom Harkin (another of this cycle’s retirees) backed it.
On social issues, Levin was a solid liberal. The Almanac says Levin “has shown a stubborn independence that seems innocent to political calculations…though not closed to intellectual argument.” And practicality was a hallmark which oftentimes left him striving to find middle ground.
His longtime role as longtime Chair and ranking member of the Armed Services Committee forced Levin to often find middle ground, even if it was contrary to his own convictions. He opposed numerous weapons systems but fought for development of the M-1 produced in Michigan (which the Almanac says was where Dukakis took that infamous tank ride). He spent numerous times trying to mold together the fractious views on the Iraq War for a decision, but was realistic, stating “I can’t support a cutoff on funding and I can’t support a fixed date to remove” the troops.
The senior statesman wasn’t even afraid to take on matters typically reserved for junior colleagues. Earlier this year, Levin was a leading proponent of filibuster reform. As for his home state, Levin was an ardent fighter of fair trade. He fought for the 60 day plant closing notification law that President Reagan vetoed championed the Super 301, which would retaliate against trade measures. and Great Lakes cleanup bills. Those stands made Levin untouchable back home, as Levin’s feeble early electoral margins blossomed into an utterly safe seat.
Levin ousted two-term Republican Senator Bob Griffin in 1978 with 52%, aided mightily by Griffin having announcing, then recanting, his retirement. Levin again took unexpectedly low 52% in ’84 against an opponent who ran an ad touting his Japanese car (Reagan could’ve been attributed to that), but rose to 57% against now Attorney General Bill Schuette in 1990. Since then, Levin hasn’t sweated at all, but one notable tidbit comes to mind. He hasn’t sweated since
In 1996, he faced Ronna Romney, the ex-daughter in-law of legendary Governor George Romney (which I guess made her the ex-sister in-law of Mitt). But neither Romney aided her and Levin won by 17%.
As I mentioned, Carl Levin is only one half of a Michigan dynasty that interestingly, it’s not clear that he had any interest in. It was Sandy who was destined for statewide office and very nearly made it. He twice challenged popular Republican Governor William Milliken and in 1970, came within 1% of beating him. He tried again four years later and lost with 47%.
At that time, Carl had been a Civil Rights attorney with no obvious political ambition but was recruited to challenge Griffin. Ultimately, both achieved greatness of sorts with a focus that compliments each other. Levin took the Senate seat and is the go-to person on defense. Sandy’s specialty is tax matters.
Sandy, another congenial workhorse, is three years older but is not expected to call it quits. So to paraphrase John Adams’ comment about Thomas Jefferson shortly before he died, “Sandy Levin still remains.”
But that’s not the point. In this case, two Levin’s are better than one. Which is why on this day, the focus should be not on the respective fields to replace Levin, as they’ll have plenty of time to sort themselves out. Today is about Levin and the sadness about losing him. And that’s a void that can’t be replaced anytime soon.