Michigan – The Michigan Republican Party is going through a tough period even though the presidential primaries are ahead and its members are expected to work together to bring better results for the party in general. This comes after the Michigan GOP State Committee said this past weekend that members voted to expel its chair, Kristen Karamo, a decision Karamo found unlawful and illegitimate as she refused to leave the position. Karamo was elected less than a year ago, in February 2023.
“37% of the MIGOP State Committee voting at an illegitimate meeting did not remove the Chair of the Michigan Republican Party (me) today. The meeting was not an official meeting of the State Committee,” Karamo said.
“The uniparty controlled media reporting to the contrary, means nothing. The January 13th Special Meeting will proceed as planned, and I hope to see all our members. Nothing will stop better political representation,” Karamo continued.
Eight of 13 Michigan Republican Party congressional chairs called for Karamo resignation
According to the information provided by the Michigan Republican Party, a total of eight of 13 GOP congressional chairs called Karamo to resign last week.
“The Michigan Republican Party remains steadfast in its commitment to operate with the highest integrity and ethics,” Acting Chairwoman Malinda Pego said in an email over the weekend. “For me, this is not a happy day. It is a somber day. However, the bylaws process and rules were followed. Now is the time to unify Republicans and grow our voter base to win elections throughout our state in 2024 and beyond.”
In a document dated January 13th, Karamo suggested that caucuses be given the power to select candidates for roles that are aligned with political parties.
The proposal reads in part: “The Republican National Committee has not adopted rules for the selection of candidates except those of the US President and US Vice-President, so the Michigan Republican Party is free to select candidates in any way the party determines.”
New caucus rules will be set and released by the Policy Committee by February 12, 2024. All qualified delegates from the latest primary, or their replacements, will receive invitations to the county caucus. A fee system will be put in place for all positions. Each county will choose candidates for party-aligned roles within their area. For positions covering multiple counties, each county can nominate one candidate, who will then be elected at district or state caucuses.
Currently, in Michigan, voters pick their political party in August.
According to the current Michigan law, voters can choose their political party in August. Under the existing law, the GOP plan isn’t allowed, something that was also confirmed by Angela Benander, the head of communications for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
The Michigan House is evenly split 54-54, but Democrats still have the Speaker’s position. This will remain until a special election fills two seats left open by candidates who became mayors in Warren and Westland.
Senator Aric Nesbitt expressed on social media his preference for choosing nominees via a primary election rather than a caucus.
“Republican voters should select their nominees through a primary,” Nesbitt said. “Hopefully the folks at the Party can focus on turning out Republican voters and help Republican candidates win in 2024, instead of working to disenfranchise millions of hardworking Republican voters.”