Hoekstra sails through vote to be confirmed as US ambassador to Canada
Hoekstra's confirmation to be Trump's ambassador to Canada came Wednesday with little controversy as the Senate voted 60-37 in favor with three members not voting. Michigan's two Democratic members of the chamber − Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin − were among those voting in support of Hoekstra.
Slotkin, who won her first race for Senate last year, noted that she disagrees with Hoekstra "on a good many issues" and that he "spent the better part of two years trying to beat me in my Senate race as the as the head of the Michigan Republican Party" but that she believes as a Michigander he will support his home state's best interests.
That could be especially important at a time when Trump has put in place higher tariffs on imported goods from Canada, which officials there say could wreck their economy and raise prices in the U.S. Michigan's dominant auto industry has an integrated supply chain with Canadian auto and parts makers that could be affected by tariffs.
More: Hoekstra: Canada is a 'sovereign' country, he'll work to improve relationship with US
More: In race to succeed Gretchen Whitmer, Gilchrist says he can unite Democrats | Opinion
'I appreciate his commitment to an open line of communication and wish him strength to stand up for the economy of his home state," Slotkin said.
At his confirmation hearing last month before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Hoekstra said that despite Trump's suggestions that Canada become the 51st state, it is a sovereign nation and promised to try to strengthen ties between the two while advancing the president's agenda.
"I do have a special appreciation for Canada as a neighbor," said Hoekstra said.
Hoekstra becomes the second high-profile Michigan political figure to become U.S. ambassador to Canada in recent decades. In 1993, former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard began serving in the role for Democratic former President Bill Clinton. Hoekstra also takes over just weeks ahead of a national election in Canada.
Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hoekstra sails through vote to be confirmed as US ambassador to Canada
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