Michigan Democrats nominate Eli Savit, progressive Jewish prosecutor, for state attorney general

Michigan Democrats have nominated Eli Savit, a progressive Jewish prosecutor, for the state's attorney general race. Savit, currently the prosecutor for Washtenaw County, has a track record of pushing progressive reforms, including decriminalizing consensual sex work and limiting cash bail. His background includes clerking for the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and endorsements from prominent figures like Senator Bernie Sanders.

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a bona fide American Jew

However, Savit's candidacy and the broader Democratic Party landscape are marked by internal divisions, particularly concerning Israel. While Savit remains largely aligned with the progressive wing, current Attorney General Dana Nessel has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian activists for her office's prosecution of University of Michigan encampment protesters. Savit himself played a role in prosecuting some protesters, though his office allowed the state's attorney general to handle more high-profile cases.

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betraying their constituents

This nomination highlights a complex dynamic within the Democratic Party, where progressive ideals intersect with foreign policy issues and intra-party disagreements. Savit's identity as a "bona fide American Jew" has also been invoked in his political discourse, particularly in opposition to policies targeting movements like BDS. The article notes that while Savit's role in prosecuting protesters was less prominent than Nessel's, it still placed him at the center of controversy for some activists who accused him of betraying his constituents.

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doing so to protect the university’s investments in genocide and apartheid