LANSING — The Michigan Republican Party hosted their first gubernatorial primary debate yesterday—and what an embarrassing night it was for John James, MIGOP Chair Jim Runestad, and Michigan Republicans.
James couldn’t even bring himself to appear on stage and face questions from friendly conservative moderators. His absence led to barbs from his Republican opponents and even milk cartons with James’ face and “MISSING” plastered on it from Aric Nesbitt’s campaign.
“We’re running out of popcorn watching John James embarrass himself on such a regular basis,” said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Derrick Honeyman. “James won’t show up to debate, he won’t answer questions on his vote to gut Medicaid, and he steps on a rake any time he tries to do anything, even violating congressional ethics rules. The next Republican primary debate is in James’ district, but just like he’s been a no-show for his constituents, James won’t show up for that debate either. The Republican primary for governor is chaotic and wide-open—and only getting messier and more extreme.”
In a desperate attempt to distract from his primary problems, James’ campaign released a fake ad that won’t air on TV—and according to MIRS News, “the political ad tracking service AdImpact does not have any information on the James campaign putting any money behind” the ad.
Here’s more on the fallout from James’ absence at yesterday’s debate:
- MLive: In a fundraising email before the event, Aric Nesbitt said that “conservatives across our state deserve to know where their Governor candidates stand, but John James is dodging tonight’s debate — yet again refusing to confront voters and provide his vision for Michigan.”
- Michigan Advance: “Adding to the shade were a pair of milk cartons sitting at Nesbitt’s supporter tables, each with ‘missing’ announcements featuring James.”
- Detroit News: Asked about James’ absence from the debate, MIGOP Chair Jim Runestad said “I think the debates are a good thing, and hopefully he’ll want to participate at some point.”
- Bridge Michigan: “‘We’re still waiting to hear where John James is actually on a lot of these issues,’ Nesbitt said to some applause. ‘It’d really be nice if the other candidate was here and actually answer some questions.’”
- Detroit Free Press: “Former Attorney General Mike Cox also went after James for not attending the debate, saying James is ‘abandoning President Trump’s majority in the House’ by running for governor.”
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