40 Facts About Dana Nessel

Early Life and Education

Dana Nessel's journey began in Michigan, where her early experiences and education shaped her future.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born in 1969 in Michigan, Dana Nessel's roots are deeply embedded in the state she now serves.
2. Education: Nessel attended the University of Michigan, where she read Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which later influenced her views on women’s rights and social justice.

Legal Career

Before stepping into the political arena, Nessel built a robust career in law.

3. Law Career: She worked as a prosecutor and defense attorney, gaining valuable experience in the legal field.
4. DeBoer v. Snyder: In 2014, Nessel successfully argued for the plaintiffs in DeBoer v. Snyder, challenging Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage.
5. Obergefell v. Hodges: This case, which recognized same-sex marriage nationwide, was a significant victory for Nessel and the LGBTQ+ community.

Political Ascent

Nessel's political career took off with a bold stance on gender equality and progressive policies.

6. Political Career: In 2017, she made headlines by advocating for the election of an attorney general without a penis, highlighting her commitment to gender equality.
7. Election as Attorney General: In 2018, Nessel won the Democratic primary and defeated her Republican opponent, Pat Miles, in the general election.
8. Personal Background: Nessel is Jewish and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her career.

Advocacy and Initiatives

Nessel's tenure as Attorney General has been marked by her strong advocacy for various social justice issues.

9. Fair Michigan: In 2016, Nessel founded Fair Michigan, a nonprofit promoting equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community.
10. Reversing Schuette Policies: Upon taking office, she reversed policies set by her conservative predecessor on issues like abortion, the environment, and LGBTQ+ rights.
11. Abortion Rights: Nessel has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, stating she will not prosecute women or doctors for terminating pregnancies if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
12. Environmental Policies: She has been a strong advocate for environmental protection, particularly in her efforts to shut down the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline.
13. LGBTQ+ Rights: Nessel continues to champion LGBTQ+ rights, supporting same-sex adoptions and other inclusive policies.

Justice and Protection

Nessel has taken significant steps to ensure justice and protection for Michigan residents.

14. Hate Crimes and Wrongful Convictions: She created units within her office to investigate hate crimes and wrongful convictions.
15. Elder Abuse Task Force: Nessel established an elder abuse task force to protect vulnerable populations.
16. Auto Insurance Fraud Unit: She set up an auto insurance fraud unit to combat fraudulent activities in the insurance industry.
17. Continuing Investigations: Nessel continued investigations into Michigan State University, the Catholic Church, and the Flint water crisis.

High-Profile Cases and Controversies

Nessel's handling of high-profile cases has been both praised and criticized.

18. Flint Water Crisis: The Flint water crisis has been a major focus for Nessel, though her efforts to prosecute those responsible have faced legal challenges.
19. Legal Opinions: She released several legal opinions, including one that deemed a Republican-passed plan to build a tunnel for Line 5 unconstitutional.
20. Multistate Agreements: Nessel secured over $3.5 million from Intuit Inc. for deceiving customers into paying for services that should have been free.

Community Engagement

Nessel's commitment to community engagement is evident through her various initiatives and public appearances.

21. Security Upgrades: She visited schools to see security upgrades made possible by state grant programs.
22. Reproductive Justice Forum: Nessel attended forums advocating for reproductive rights and encouraging voter registration.
23. UAW Local 6000: She was thanked by UAW Local 6000 for her participation in their Reproductive Justice Forum.
24. Defrauding VA and Michigan Treasury: Nessel announced sentences for individuals involved in schemes to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Animal Rights and Criticisms

Nessel's stance on animal rights and her handling of certain cases have sparked both support and criticism.

25. Humane Animal Experimentation: She called for the state health department to develop rules for humane animal experimentation.
26. Criticism and Controversy: Despite her achievements, Nessel has faced criticism for her handling of the Flint water crisis and other high-profile cases.
27. Track Record on Campaign Finance Laws: Nessel has been criticized for her lack of action on enforcing campaign finance laws.
28. Lobby Law Enforcement: Her office has been accused of failing to bring charges or win convictions in several high-profile cases.

Political Style and Public Perception

Nessel's brash style and public statements have made her a polarizing figure.

29. Fake Electors Case: The “fake electors” case involving prominent GOP figures has raised questions about Nessel’s ability to handle complex legal matters.
30. TJ Bucholz’s Assessment: Democratic strategist TJ Bucholz described Nessel as a brash attorney general who is more partisan than the governor.
31. Political Observers’ Views: Observers note that Nessel’s remarks underscore her commitment to progressive policies.
32. Rhetorical Candor: Nessel often takes jabs at her opponents and critics, bringing a rhetorical candor into office.

Social Media and Federal Cases

Nessel's active social media presence and involvement in federal cases highlight her commitment to progressive causes.

33. Social Media Presence: Nessel uses platforms like Twitter to engage with the public and criticize her opponents.
34. Federal Cases and Policy Requests: Since taking office, Nessel has signed on to 27 federal cases or policy requests with mostly Democratic attorneys general.

School Safety and Victim Advocacy

Nessel's efforts to improve school safety and support crime victims demonstrate her dedication to community welfare.

35. Grant Programs: She visited schools to see the impact of grant programs for safety upgrades.
36. Victims Advocacy: Nessel continues her tour of crime victim agencies throughout the state, discussing needs and offering support.
37. Crime Victim Agencies: Her office supports various initiatives aimed at helping victims of crime.

Financial Restitution and School Security

Nessel's work in securing financial restitution and improving school security has had a tangible impact on Michigan residents.

38. TurboTax Settlement: Nessel secured significant financial restitution for Michigan residents who were unfairly charged by TurboTax.
39. Security Upgrades in Schools: Her visit to Cadillac Middle School highlighted the importance of safety upgrades in educational institutions.

Legacy and Impact

Nessel's legacy is a mix of significant achievements and criticisms, but her commitment to progressive policies and social justice remains clear.

40. Legacy and Impact: Her impact on Michigan's legal landscape and advocacy for marginalized communities are undeniable, making her a significant figure in contemporary American politics.

Dana Nessel's Impact and Legacy

Dana Nessel's career as Michigan's Attorney General has been marked by bold moves and a commitment to progressive values. From her early days as a lawyer to her significant role in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case, Nessel has consistently championed LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. Her tenure has seen the reversal of conservative policies, strong advocacy for reproductive rights, and efforts to protect the environment. Nessel's initiatives, like the Elder Abuse Task Force and the Auto Insurance Fraud Unit, highlight her dedication to justice and consumer protection. While she has faced criticism, particularly regarding the Flint water crisis, her impact on Michigan's legal landscape is undeniable. Nessel's legacy is a blend of significant achievements and challenges, but her unwavering commitment to progressive policies and marginalized communities cements her place as a notable figure in American politics.