So far it hasn't hurt him — and the Detroit debates are unlikely to do so, especially as his name recognition is high and he has plenty of goodwill built up during his eight years working for President Barack Obama. But if the attacks keep up, he could see an erosion in his position. And don't expect the attacks on his record to slow.

Next week, Tlaib is expected to open the first of four service centers across her district, this one in River Rouge. The idea is to give her constituents a place, not too far from their homes, where they can go to ask for help, with the idea that her staff can act as a go-between to federal services such as Social Security or protection under the Equal Employment Opportu...