Great Lakes Wire

Departing U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell, a Republican representing the 10th District of Michigan, says he will miss some aspects of being in Congress, but others not so much.

“I’m going to miss the policy work, trying to solve problems, but I’m not going to miss the petty politics at all,” he told the host of "The Frank Beckmann Show."

Debate in Washington should be based on the issues, not on personal attacks, Mitchell said.

“I think the discussion needs to be about why you disagree and what you think the impact is, rather than talk about someone’s intent... or their motivations,” he told Beckmann. “Don't question someone else's belief as somehow being evil. Talk about what you see as what the adverse impact is of what they want to do and how there is better way to do that.”

Members of Congress should recognize that on many issues, they will disagree.

“My spouse doesn't agree with me about everything, God knows, never mind members of Congress,” he said on the radio program. “But to attack them personally because you don’t agree is really destructive.”

Mitchell said he has many friends in Congress who are Democrats and has worked with them on issues such as police reform. He has worked with U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, a Democrat from California, on that issue.

“There are a variety of things Karen and I don’t agree about,” Mitchell told Beckmann. “But Karen and I are also cochairs of the Foster Youth Caucus. I called Karen when she wasn’t selected to be the VP running mate and told her I was sorry because I know she is a good person. In her soul, she is a good person.”

Both parties are guilty of personalizing politics, according to the congressman.

“Elections should be based upon your ideas. Leadership should be based on the future of the county and not badmouthing the other person,” he told Beckmann. “Let’s talk about where the nation is going to be four years from now, what it’s going to look like. Let’s talk about those things and sell that to the American people.”