Today, voters can begin in person absentee voting in a “circus” of a Republican gubernatorial primary that has been defined by forgeries, the unprecedented removal of both the frontrunner and the top spender, vampires, zombies, an FBI raid and arrest, and multiple federal criminal charges.
Noted for doing “virtually everything to blow the opportunity” to present Michiganders with a single credible gubernatorial candidate, even the MIGOP has openly admitted they have no “clear and identifiable frontrunner right now,” as things continue to “[plunge] into chaos.”
Here are the options before still largely undecided Republican primary voters as early voting gets underway:
A testament to just how radical the primary field is, known and charged insurrectionist Ryan Kelley is currently enjoying a surge to the top after the FBI raided his home and arrested him on multiple criminal charges. Every other Republican gubernatorial candidate and both MIGOP co-chairs “rushed” to his defense on the day of his arrest – despite knowing it was for participating in the violent insurrection on January 6th that resulted in five deaths and 140 injured law enforcement officers. Many have speculated that it may help distinguish him among the crowded field.
Snake oil salesman Garrett Soldano has spewed countless conspiracy theories and lies, whether they be of the anti-vaxx, anti-fair election, anti-law and order, or anti-choice variety. He has also called for across-the-board blunt cuts to the budget, specifically targeting Michigan’s 15 public universities, which he described as “indoctrination centers.” Since launching his campaign, he’s earned the most attention for stating that survivors of sexual assault should not be able to have abortions because “God put them in this moment.”
Out-of-touch millionaire Kevin Rinke – who has been sued multiple times by his own employees for racial and sexual harassment – is pushing a wrong-for-Michigan agenda that would hurt working families. It features a “piss-poor public policy proposal” that would slash funding for local law enforcement, public schools, and the infrastructure our economy relies on to keep growing at a fast pace. The used Toyota salesman also continues to throw his millions behind a “flat-out false” TV ad broadcasting completely unfounded election conspiracy theories in order to justify his crusade to make it harder for Michiganders to vote.
Following the implosion of Perry Johnson and James Craig, who is now running a write-in campaign that has been even more of a joke than his traditional bid, Tudor Dixon appears to be the third and latest candidate to brandish the depreciated title of MIGOP-insider favorite. She has a special interest-backed, wrong-for-Michigan agenda that would dismantle public education, eliminate reproductive freedom, and hurt major pillars of Michigan’s economy – especially when the auto industry is involved.
Pastor and general extremist Ralph Rebandt is also on the ballot.
MDP spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite issued the following statement:
“Today, voters are faced with a choice between five radical, fringe candidates who have backed extreme policies that would hurt working families at every turn. Ryan Kelley, Garrett Soldano, Kevin Rinke, Tudor Dixon and Ralph Rebandt have equally wrong-for-Michigan agendas that would decimate public education, eliminate reproductive freedom, and slash funding for law enforcement. No matter who emerges from the chaotic, irresponsible field of candidates, Michiganders will see a clear contrast between their dangerous agendas and Governor Whitmer’s strong leadership that puts them first.”
