Detroit Free Press on RGA Recruitment Failure: “GOP has no top-tier candidate for governor and no assurances it will get one”

The Free Press continues to note that the “two names that top most wish lists” are “dream candidate” Candice Miller, who had already publicly ruled out a bid, along with two-time failed politician John James, who recently started a federal PAC.

Additionally, Republican strategists are already throwing cold water on all the other C-list and no-name candidates floating their own names, with the Free Press adding, “There are also a few candidates who have already announced their candidacies or signaled their intentions to run. But GOP campaign consultants interviewed by the Free Press did not identify any of them as likely to emerge victorious from any primary.”

The RGA’s recruitment woes in Michigan, which also includes RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel refusing to run, matches similar failures across the country as top potential candidates are all staying on the sidelines. That includes: Boyd Rutherford in Maryland, Rep. Pete Stauber in Minnesota, Senator Pat Toomey in Pennsylvania, and Mayor Erin Stewart in Connecticut, among others. 

“The fact that the GOP still doesn’t have a legitimate candidate in Michigan shows top Republicans know that Michiganders back Governor Whitmer’s strong and popular record,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Sam Newton. “Making matters worse for Republicans, any candidate who does bite the bullet and hops in will have to spend a bruising primary catering to their far-right and extreme GOP base. That further solidifies the fact that no matter who decides to run or not, Michigan Republicans are already doomed for trouble.” 

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