Michigan Election Officials to Probe Trump’s Event at Sheriff’s Office

Introduction

Michigan’s Bureau of Elections plans to examine the legality of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office having hosted an event for former President Donald Trump’s campaign. The investigation follows two complaints against the Sheriff’s office and Sheriff Mike Murphy, claiming violations of state campaign finance law took place during Trump’s Tuesday speech.

Understanding the Allegations

According to spokesperson Angela Benander, it would be inappropriate to provide any more details until the investigation has been concluded and determinations made. State campaign finance law in Michigan expressly prohibits a government body from using its public resources to make a campaign contribution or expenditure. This could include supplies and equipment, stationery, postage, software, vehicles, office space and, more specifically, funds. Trump’s campaign event was held in a garage owned by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, with sheriff’s vehicles visible behind Trump as he spoke.

Exception Rules in Law

However, the state law also provides certain exceptions. Public officers can express their political viewpoints and public facilities can be accessed for campaigns if other candidates are evenly given the same opportunity. The law clearly states that any person who contravenes these rules could be liable to a fine of up to $1,000 or face imprisonment for up to one year. If a government agency flouts this rule, it can be penalized with a fine equivalent to the contribution amount.

Reactions to Alleged Violation

Mark Brewer, a former Chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party and current election lawyer, has alleged that the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office has infringed the campaign finance law. Sheriff Mike Murphy, however, has welcomed the investigation and expressed his belief that he did not break any law.

Trump’s Further Visits

In related news, Trump has plans for campaigning in Detroit in the upcoming week. During his most recent event in Michigan on Tuesday, he took a single question after which an interview with a local news outlet was abruptly cancelled when the paper began inquiring about crime data post his tenure, which showed a decrease in crime rates.

Rogers on Tesla

Meanwhile, Republican Mike Rogers who is pursuing a senatorial seat in Michigan, expressed his support for Tesla Inc. during an exchange with reporters in Mecosta County. Rogers equated Tesla’s success story to that of the ‘American Dream’ and called for lawmakers to allow market forces to prevail. Tesla was established in California, and its CEO, Elon Musk, publicly endorsed Trump in the past.

The Daily Show and the DNC

In lighter news, ‘The Daily Show’ host Jon Stewart drew laughs as he humorously suggested US. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, was the mystery guest speaker for the Democratic National Convention’s closing night.