Karamo Ejected from Convention as Divisions Persist in Michigan GOP
Michigan Republicans United Behind Trump. Strong Divisions Persist
Flint, MI — On Saturday, division within the Michigan Republican Party was palpable as the state party convention progressed. Despite presenting a united front in support of former President Donald Trump, the convention was marred by internal strife and discord, indicative of deeper rifts within the party. The convention saw election of candidates for university boards, the State Board of Education, and the Michigan Supreme Court.
Former State Chairperson Shown the Door
Kristina Karamo, the former state party chairperson ejected by dissidents in January, made a brief appearance at the convention, only to be escorted out by security and local police. This rather dramatic episode took place at the Dort Financial Center. “Corruption,” was her parting shot as she left the venue.
Struggles under Current Leadership
Current state party head, former ambassador and congressman Pete Hoekstra, didn’t fare much better at the convention. As he took the stage, scattered, yet loud booing greeted him. Hoekstra replaced Karamo following her ouster and has since worked to stabilize the party’s shaky finances.
However, undeterred by the fracas, Hoekstra remained optimistic and unfazed by the evident tension. “You’re always going to have an element of dissent,” he asserted. Despite the discord, Hoekstra remains confident in the unity of the party behind Trump and former congressman Mike Rogers, who is campaigning for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan.
Convention Proceedings Delayed by Disputes and Recounts
The convention saw a delay in proceedings due to lengthy hand counting and recounting of ballots, along with a protracted dispute over delegate credentials. This stems from rival factions asserting their claim on leadership roles in the Kalamazoo County Republican Party.
A Challenge for the Michigan Supreme Court Seats
Friday evening witnessed a significant move. Controversial Kalamazoo County attorney Matthew DePerno, withdrawn from consideration for a Michigan Supreme Court nomination, redirected his support to Branch County Circuit Judge Patrick O’Grady. The Republican nominees would need to win both seats to trump the current 4-3 edge held by Democratic nominees. This is considered a formidable hurdle since the Democratic nominee, Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, has the upper hand. She has incumbency advantage for the partial term and both Democratic nominees have significantly out-fundraised their Republican counterparts.
New Faces in University Boards
For the University of Michigan Board of Regents, delegates chose new faces, Sevag Vartanian and Carl Meyers, over incumbent regent Ron Weiser of Ann Arbor, a party megadonor and former U.S. ambassador. Similarly, for Michigan State University trustees, incumbent chair Dan Kelly was outvoted in favor of newcomers Mike Balow and Julie Maday.
