Robert Sedler, professor of constitutional law, commented about the Michigan Republican Party's choice of Rev. Keith Butler as a challenger to U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow in next year's senate race. "The one touchstone for blacks in politics today is affirmative action," Sedler said. Republicans may indeed be able to appeal to African-Americans on a number of social issues. But not on this, according to Sedler. If Butler comes out against affirmative action, he will instantly lose any credibility in the black community.