Today, the Michigan Democratic Party is releasing a new video highlighting the fact that Republican gubernatorial candidates stood against Michigan businesses and workers when Ambassador Bridge, a “major international gateway” connecting Detroit and Windsor, was shut down due to an illegal blockade that impacted $356 million of goods daily.
As the video documents, this massive economic chokehold put significant strain on Michigan’s economy and working families last week. Assembly plants at GM and Ford were forced to cancel shifts due to a lack of parts traveling across the bridge, which resulted in workers weathering over $51 million in lost wages and the broader auto industry suffering $300 million in losses.
WATCH the new video here and read the full transcript at the bottom:
In addition to James Craig, Kevin Rinke, Garrett Soldano, and Tudor Dixon – whose encouragement to keep hampering the auto industry is detailed in the video, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Brown showed he was just as willing to stand against Michigan’s economy. Not to be outdone, Ryan Kelley stood on a paralyzed patch of highway leading to the Canadian border to demonstrate his support for the illegal blockade.
MDP spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite issued the following statement:
“James Craig, Kevin Rinke, Garrett Soldano and Tudor Dixon showed Michiganders once again that they won’t stand up for Michigan’s hardworking families. By cheering on the blockade that cost Michigan’s economy hundreds of millions and directly impacted workers, they made clear that they will not move Michigan forward. Michiganders deserve a leader who works with anyone to put Michigan businesses and workers first.”
Video transcript:
ON-SCREEN TEXT: An illegal blockade was choking Michigan’s economy hurting workers and small businesses and the auto industry was forced to cancel shifts costing Michigan workers and businesses millions in lost wages and production cuts.
Where did the Republican candidates for governor stand?
James Craig supported those “blocking the Ambassador bridge.”
DETROIT NEWS HEADLINE: GOP Michigan Gov Hopeful James Craig: ‘I Stand With the Truckers’
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Kevin Rinke said he will “never apologize” for siding with the blockade.
Tweet (@KevinRinke): Funny they want to talk about the economy now, after defending Whitmer’s shutdown. This isn’t about picking sides, it’s about standing up for what is right. I will never apologize for standing for freedom.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Garrett Soldano applauded the blockade.
Facebook (Garrett for Michigan): The power of ONE, can lead to the power of MANY. It is time for ordinary people to do extraordinary things. These Canadian truckers are true freedom fighters. Their courage is contagious!
ON-SCREEN TEXT: And Tudor Dixon did too.
Twitter (@TudorDixon): Gretchen Whitmer’s heavy hand on Covid continues. We knew her silence wouldn’t last and now she offers government force to go after Canadian citizens. Whitmer’s tyrannical approach to government will continue to destroy Michigan if she is re-elected.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Governor Whitmer fought for Michigan jobs. Why won’t the Republicans do the same?
