ACHTUNG: The following is not a “fair and balanced” article. It is an editorial by the editor.
Local voters less than two weeks hence will decide who will be state representatives in Lansing from this area. The winners of two Republican Party runoffs, in the 43rd and 79th Districts Aug. 2, will be heavily favored to win over Democratic opponents in November.
The 79th includes only Leighton Township, the 43rd takes in the rest of the Townbroadcast coverage area.
My problem is that all seven GOP candidates in the two districts have virtually the same views on what passes for issues. Their only disagreements are with Democrats.
They all agree on the following 10 issues:
• They are Pro-Life, the only minor differences may be in nuances on saving the life of mother or in cases of rape or incest.
• Pro-Second Amendment, or very much in agreement with the “right to bear arms.”
• Oppose “government overreach,” into our lives, e.g. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s mask wearing rules and vaccinations for Covid, but support government banning abortion.
• Pro-business, opposing government regulations.
• Would support reinstituting prayer in school.
• Would support restricting gay rights and even opposing same-sex marriage.
• Believe schools have been indoctrinating students and teaching Critical Race Theory.
• Believe Joe Biden “stole” the election from Donald Trump in 2020.
• One hundred percent support for law enforcement officers, an offshoot of backing the “Thin Blue Line.”
• Believe the “Liberal Media” propagated lies about Donald Trump and have over-reported the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the nation’s capital.
Pick any one of the candidates — Rachelle Smit. Lindsay Kronemeyer, Phillip Joseph and Nevin Cooper-Keil in the 43rd, and Angela Rigas, Jeremiah Keeler and Ryan Gallogly in the 79th, and somehow they essentially agree on all of these 10 issues.
So, I’m sorry, folks, but if you care about issues most, you really don’t have a choice. The winner probably will be decided by which one is most likeable
Former Barry County Commissioner, Bob Wenger, a Republican, 22 years ago attended a state rep. candidate forum and said, “You’re wasting my time. There’s not a dime’s worth of difference between you. I should have stayed home and planted corn.”
But the most disappointing and depressing characteristic of this primary is that all of them march in lockstep to the commands of a man who was the architect and leader of a failed attempt to overthrow the government of the United States. The evidence is overwhelming and grows every day. Those who refuse to take heed are delusional, and even worse, are exhibiting symptoms of being members of a cult.
That would be all seven.
It’s so embarrassing that candidate Cooper-Keil suggested that Smit somehow bought her endorsement. So he actually promoted the idea that the Trump campaign is selling his blessings.
All seven have enthusiastically sought the support of the former president. That might play well with the far-right base of the GOP, but it might present a challenge in November.
So I hereby refuse to endorse any of the candidates for 79th District State Representative. But I will express support for Rachelle Smit in the 43rd, simply because I know her and I think that despite her bat guano crazy politics, she’s done more than a reasonably good job as Martin Township Clerk.
All I know about the others is that they also appear to subscribe to bat guano crazy ideas and only one, Cooper-Keil, has any political experience, albeit a stormy four-year stint as Monterey Township Supervisor, a post from which he was removed by a 2-to-1 margin when he sought re-election.
I hope Ms. Smit wins, but I also hope she comes to her senses.
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