Senator Levin's Detroit Senate Career: A 36-Year Journey

Throughout his remarkable thirty-six years representing Michigan in the U.S. Senate, Carl Levin made a lasting impact as the state's longest-serving senator. Known for his unwavering commitment to truth and governmental accountability, Levin's story unfolds in his book "Getting to the Heart of the Matter: My 36 Years in the Senate." From his humble beginnings in Detroit as the son of a respected lawyer to his pinnacle role as the chair of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Levin's career placed him at the epicenter of pivotal moments in America's recent history. From navigating the aftermath of the 1967 Detroit riots to pivotal events like the Clinton impeachment, 9/11, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the 2008 financial crisis, Levin's journey intertwined with critical global leaders such as Egypt's Anwar Sadat and China's Jiang Zemin. "Getting to the Heart of the Matter" vividly recounts Levin's experiences, reflections, and actions during these transformative periods.

Spanning seventeen chapters, this guide delves into Levin's journey through Detroit in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. From meeting his spouse and starting a family to his roles as the first General Counsel for the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and chief appellate defender for Detroit's Legal Aid Office, Levin's story is rich with experiences. Elected to the Detroit City Council in 1969, he served for eight years, including four as Council president. The narrative vividly portrays his fight against unjust housing practices by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Detroit, which eventually fueled his U.S. Senate candidacy. Throughout his illustrious Senate career, Levin, a Democrat, collaborated with Republican counterparts to achieve common goals, spanning issues like trade, support for the auto industry, military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and environmental conservation, all while relentlessly advocating for the welfare of the nation.

In his memoir, Levin shares his deep-rooted beliefs about the responsibilities of elected officials, aiming to provide a valuable resource for those embarking on a career in public office or contemplating a role in politics. This guide is particularly beneficial for readers interested in politics, history, facts, and tenacity, as it reflects Levin's years of experience in the Senate and his dedication to Detroit at its heart.