Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel got to play the role of “acting governor” last week and signed Senate Bill 602 into law. Why the sudden shift in power? Because our esteemed Governor Whitmer was busy on her national book tour and was also moonlighting as a Democratic cheerleader for the upcoming presidential election.

Yes, you read that right. Michigan’s executive duties were outsourced while Whitmer basked in the glow of political rallies and book signings, proving that multitasking is best left to professionals – or, at least, to those not holding the highest office in the state.

Acting Governor Nessel to the rescue.

With Whitmer out of the office, the baton was passed to Democratic AG Dana Nessel, who eagerly seized the opportunity to flex her legislative muscles. Nessel signed off on Senate Bill 602, which targets predatory real estate practices. The bill, sponsored by state Senator Kevin Hertel, aims to protect homeowners from shady right-to-list agreements that trap them in unfavorable contracts.

“Senate Bill 602 strengthens protections for homeowners by prohibiting unfair practices in real estate transactions,” Nessel proudly proclaimed in her best “governor” voice. She went on to say, “Many homeowners have faced predatory right-to-list agreements that lock them into unfavorable terms. This legislation provides much-needed clarity and protects both property owners and real estate professionals. I am honored to have the opportunity to sign this legislation into law.”

Michigan’s government: a game of musical chairs.

According to the Michigan Constitution, the Attorney General can step in as acting governor if the governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of state are all out of state. This obscure clause got dusted off on July 25th because who wouldn’t want a break from the drudgery of governing to hit the campaign trail, flog a book or take a vacay?

Where exactly did the rest of the “governing” folks go to anyway?

So, while Governor Whitmer was out selling her memoirs and pitching for the Democrats – and the rest of the yahoos (Gilcrest and Benson) were doing who-knows-what – Michigan’s real work continued under the stewardship of Dana Nessel. Perhaps it’s a reminder that the wheels of government keep turning, no matter who’s holding the wheel – or the pen. And who knows, maybe next week, we’ll see the head custodian running the show while everyone else takes a collective sabbatical.