Americana: Battle of the Sexes

In Ionia, Mich., two bedfellows are making for strange politics. Robert Cusack, 38, and his wife Beverly, 35, who are both real estate agents, have been arguing at home about politics for years. Now they are both running for the same county commission seat, he as a Democrat, she as a Republican.

The chief issues are local land use and the candidates’ personalities. Robert promises to uphold property rights. Says he: “I don’t like to see the government push people around.” Besides, he insists that he is better qualified by temperament for the job: “I would be more forthright, controversial and make more waves.” Retorts Beverly, who has attended every Ionia County commission meeting for the past four years: “Robert knows the issues, but I’m more informed about the facts and figures. The government should not dictate to people, yet it has an important role to play.” If elected, she adds, “I’d be a compromiser and peacemaker.”

The Cusacks’ three children are trying not to take sides. Happily, they are too young to vote.