Michigan Republican Party Faces Financial Struggles Ahead of 2024 Election
The Michigan Republican Party is facing financial difficulties, with only $93,000 in its bank accounts, just 16 months before the November 2024 presidential election. This revelation has alarmed GOP insiders, who warn that the party’s financial situation is dire. During a closed-door meeting at the Doherty Hotel in Clare on July 8, Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Kristina Karamo and her leadership team updated the state GOP committee on the party’s budget. The Detroit News obtained a recording of the meeting, which was described as a “Festivus-style airing of grievances,” complete with verbal feuds and questions about the party’s ability to pay off its debts.
The discussion shed light on the Michigan Republican Party’s finances, which are normally kept secret. It also revealed hesitations among long-time funders to contribute. While some accounts have to file public reports on their contributors and expenditures, others do not, making it difficult to determine the extent of fundraising. The state committee’s budget chairman, Dan Bonamie, confirmed during the meeting that the party has $93,231.90 in its accounts and that no loans have been taken out. He also acknowledged that the party is working on its debt.
The party’s general counsel, Dan Hartman, disclosed that the GOP had previously been threatened with default on a loan, but Karamo assured the committee that the party is now working closely with the bank. Despite this, Karamo acknowledged that the financial situation is problematic and that the party needs more money. Former Michigan Republican Party officials have expressed concern over the current financial total, comparing it to previous years when the party had significantly more funding. Jeff Timmer, a former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party, stated that $93,000 would not have been sufficient to cover rent, payroll, and utilities for a single month during his tenure from 2005 to 2009.
In contrast, the Democratic House Speaker Joe Tate had $105,910 in his leadership political action committee (PAC) on April 20. Democrats recently won control of the state Legislature for the first time in 40 years. The lack of funds could hinder the Michigan Republican Party’s ability to pay staff, finance voter outreach, and support Election Day efforts. Tom Leonard, a former Michigan House speaker and the state GOP’s budget chair from 2009 to 2010, stated that a successful state party in Michigan typically raises between $30 million and $40 million each election cycle and should have between $4 million and $6 million cash on hand a year before the election.
Karamo’s supporters argue that the party is shifting away from relying on a small group of large donors and adopting a broader grassroots approach. As a candidate for party chair, Karamo promised to expand the donor pool and create a decentralized fundraising system. However, Karamo has faced increased criticism from within the Michigan GOP regarding her handling of the party’s finances. In June, she removed Matt Johnson as the state committee’s budget chair, citing “a dereliction of duty and several other grievances.” Johnson argued that the party’s spending was out of proportion with its income, leading to bankruptcy.
During the July 8 meeting, Republicans engaged in heated debates and even a physical altercation. Karamo expressed disbelief at the fight and urged party members to focus on unity. The Michigan GOP’s financial struggles raise concerns about its ability to compete effectively in the 2024 presidential election. As the party works to address its debt and secure additional funding, Republican candidates may need to seek resources and organization outside of the Michigan Republican Party to ensure a successful campaign.
Original Story at kdhnews.com – 2023-07-15 18:02:10
Comments are closed.