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Lansing — Michigan Senate Republicans cast votes Thursday to block two of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's appointees to the state cherry committee, a panel that oversees marketing efforts for the cherry industry.
Whitmer had appointed Juliette McAvoy of Central Lake and Emily Miezio of Suttons Bay to the committee, which can have up to 13 members. The Senate voted 20-14, along party lines, to reject the appointments. GOP lawmakers have now blocked 20 Whitmer appointees this year amid disagreements over the governor's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, said two other candidates for the committee had been passed over without explanation. And Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Lum, indicated that some cherry farmers were opposed to the selected appointees.