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Carl M. Levin (D-Mich.)

U.S. Senator (since 1979)

(Alex Wong/
Getty Images)

Why He Matters

Don't let his rumpled suits or avuncular glasses fool you. Levin is ready for a fight.

The former civil-rights lawyer is famous for his deep policy knowledge - he spends more than 20 hours getting ready for hearings so he'll "know when the B.S. is flying," and he nailed George W. Bush administration officials with his precise questioning.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Detroit City Council (1969 to 1979)
  • Birthday: June 28, 1934
  • Hometown: Detroit, Mich.
  • Alma Mater: Swarthmore College, B.A., 1956; Harvard Law School, J.D., 1959
  • Spouse: Barbara
  • Religion: Jewish
  • DC Office: 269 Russell Senate Office Building, 202-224-6221
  • State Offices: Detroit, 313-226-6020; Traverse City, 231-947-9569; Escanaba, 906-789-0052; Saginaw, 989-754-2494; Grand Rapids, 616-456-2531; Warren, 586-573-9145; Lansing, 517-377-1508
  • Web site
  • YouTube
  • Flickr
 

Path to Power

Levin grew up in Detroit. His father was a lawyer active in social justice efforts.

After graduating from Swarthmore College and Harvard Law School, Levin opened a private practice in Detroit focused on civil rights issues. He took a position working for the state Civil Rights Commission and Appellate Public Defenders office in the late 1960s.

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The Issues

Levin has a liberal record. He voted with his party 96 percent of the time during the 110th Congress, though he isn't afraid to oppose Democrats, especially if the legislation will hurt Detroit automakers.

During his Senate career, Levin has developed an extensive knowledge of national security issues. He has often challenged military spending, choosing to forgo large-scale projects and military-weapons systems in favor of improving pay, health care and housing for members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

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The Network

Levin works closely with the members of the Michigan delegation. He and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) have worked together on several pieces of Great Lakes legislation. His older brother, Rep. Sander Levin (D), represents Michigan's 12th district in the House.

Senate Armed Services Committee staffers Daniel Cox, Madelyn Creedon and Evelyn Farkas work closely with the senator to develop policy.

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Additional Resources

  1. Zernike, Kate, "Plan for Tribunals Would Hew to the First Series," New York Times, Sept. 7, 2006.
  2. Donnelly, John, "Lawmakers Agree on Final Version of Defense Policy Bill," Congressional Quarterly, Sept. 23, 2008
  3. Almanac of American Politics, 2008 edition
  4. Carl Levin web site
  5. Barron, James, "Astronaut Trails Michigan Senator," New York Times, Oct. 17, 1983
  6. Washington Post Votes Database
  7. Carl Levin web site
  8. Zremski, Jerry, "Great Lakes Compact Begins Trip Toward Ratification by Congress," Buffalo News, July 24, 2008
  9. Hyde, Justin, "House to Vote Again Friday: Revisions, Fear Give New Life to Bailout," Detroit Free-Press, Oct. 2, 2008
  10. Gray, Kathleen and Christoff, Chris, "Levin Expects Approval of Auto Aid Pacakge by Midweek," Detroit Free Press, Dec. 15, 2008
  11. Stoy, Roland, "Levin: Big Three Failure Means Economic Tsunami," Daily Reporter, Dec. 13, 2008
  12. Carl Levin web site
  13. "Carl Levin: The Bird-Dogger," Time Magazine, April 14, 2006
  14. Christoff, Chris, "Carl Levin's Moment: War Opponent Takes Measured Approach," Detroit News, Jan. 22, 2007
  15. Shellenbarger, Pat. Carl Levin: Odds are against Hillary Clinton," Kalamazoo Gazette, May 11, 2008
  16. Nizza, Mike, "Watching the Iraq Hearings With Petraeus and Crocker," New York Times, April 8, 2008
  17. Sargent, Greg, "Levin: CIA Torture Documents Cheney Wants Don't Prove Squat," The Plum Line, May 29, 2009
  18. "Interview: Carl Levin," PBS Frontline, Feb. 19, 2004