News from
THE MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      
Contact: Jason Moon
517-371-5410
July 26, 2007

MDP Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Mackinac Bridge

 MDP Recognizes Democratic Governor “Soapy” Williams’ Visionary Role on “Mighty Mac” Anniversary 

LANSING- Today Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer issued the following statement in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge:

“It is important to recognize what an accomplishment building the Mackinac Bridge was 50 years ago today and how pivotal then-Democratic Governor G. Mennen ‘Soapy’ Williams’ vision was to its construction,” Brewer said. “Many at the time were quick to nay-say the building of the Mackinac Bridge and even called it ‘Soapy’s Folly.’ But the naysayers and obstructionists were wrong. The Bridge has been vital in connecting our Upper and Lower Peninsulas, allowing for both commerce and community building to flourish in Michigan. We are indebted to Soapy Williams for standing up to the critics and providing the bold leadership necessary to build the Mackinac Bridge.”

According to the Detroit Free Press, Governor Williams was “one of Michigan's most popular politicians, Williams, a Democratic governor, campaigned for a bridge in his upset victory over incumbent Kim Sigler in 1948. Deflecting criticism that a bridge was ‘Soapy's Folly,’ Williams, as governor, made the first official crossing after the bridge opened in 1957.”

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