Tim Skubick: Whitmer's road fix promises will be tested by GOP lawmakers

LANSING (FOX 2) - Gretchen Whitmer was sworn in as Michigan's 49th governor Tuesday.

It was history in the making with a throwback to a similar dynamic when it comes to state power, according to political analyst Tim Skubick.  

WATCH: Whitmer's full speech here.

"The last time we had divided government, ironically we had the state’s first female governor and Michigan Republican Legislature," he said. "Now we have the second female governor who is also a Democrat, with Republicans in full control of the Michigan House and Senate. 

"Jennifer Granholm didn’t do so hot when it came to compromising with Republicans and a lot of people said they weren’t going to help her. But we have not heard that now (with the) Gretchen Whitmer camp."

Her speech touted her ability to reach across party lines to power her agenda she campaigned on.  One of her biggest promises is becoming a road test for this new governor now behind the wheel. Fixing the roads is going to take cash and a lot of convincing.  

"Remember her proposal on the campaign trail was to go to the Michigan Legislature first and ask for more money," Skubick said. "Republicans in the legislature have had a long history of saying no to new money. They did it for Governor Snyder. He said it wasn’t enough. 

"She will be back asking for more and the real risk here is, the Republicans will say close but no cigar. The Republicans may say we would love to work with you but we just can’t raise taxes, raise fees, do this."  

Skubick is quick to point out that Governor Whitmer hasn’t started down that road yet - one that may be riddled with political potholes.  So it’s a wait and see as to what kind of plan she drafts.  

For today, an heir of optimism sweeps over the capital coupled with words and promises that are par for the course on this kickoff for the next four years.  

"Every governor that I’ve covered over the years said the exact same thing - we need to work together," Skubick said. "Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. The record is yet to be written on whether this governor can pull this off."