Former GOP congressmen call on Michigan legislature to pass gun safety bills
Former U.S. Reps. Dave Trott and Fred Upton, both Republicans, called on policymakers to pass the gun safety package that has been introduced in Michigan’s legislature. “Students, educators and parents in Michigan have suffered through multiple mass shootings in the past fifteen months, and Michiganders deserve action,” Upton and Trott wrote. “This common-sense gun safety reform will save lives by getting illegal guns off our streets while helping law enforcement protect our families. “If it was good enough for Pence and DeSantis, it ought to be good enough here in Michigan,” Upton said in an interview. “Obviously it’s a question of whether they can hold the Democratic majorities together to pass those bills, but I think some of them will pass with bipartisan support,” Trott said.
mlive.comWhat it would take for Fred Upton to become House Speaker
Yes, it’s possible Fred Upton could become the next House Speaker. But I don’t think we’re there yet.”This “whole situation” is the unfolding drama in the U.S. House, where Republicans have deadlocked over electing a new House Speaker. RELATED: Fred Upton on potential House Speaker bid: ‘Intriguing proposal’Under this scenario, Democrats along with a contingent of centrist Republicans would break the logjam by coalescing around Upton, who is well-known for his commitment to bipartisanship. “Righty now, the (House Republicans) don’t have a consistent agenda,” he said. What’s happening now is not a good sign that they’re going to be able to do anything.”More on MLive:Michigan Congressman Fred Upton served with 7 presidents.
mlive.comFred Upton on potential House Speaker bid: ‘Intriguing proposal’
As Republicans deadlock over picking the next House Speaker, Fred Upton is among the names being floated as a potential alternative to Kevin McCarthy. “It’s an intriguing proposal that I haven’t rejected, OK?” Upton told MLive in a phone interview Tuesday, Jan. 4. RELATED: Justin Amash touts himself as ‘alternative, independent choice’ for House Speaker“It would have to be bipartisan,” Upton said. The House Speaker does not have to be a member of Congress, but it’s “something that has never happened before,” Upton said. Someone made the point the other day that they’re the ones who ought to be called RINOs because they don’t support anything.
mlive.comMeet Kalamazoo’s new congressman: A conservative ‘able to find the yes button’
At a time when Kalamazoo County is becoming a Democratic stronghold, its new congressman is a staunch conservative. “I’ve always been confused by people who are Gretchen Whitmer and Bill Huizenga voters, but they’re there,” he said. Kalamazoo is the biggest city in Huizenga’s new district, and Kalamazoo is also his most populated county. And yet that comes when Kalamazoo County voters are shifting left. Indeed, Huizenga won only 39% of the Kalamazoo County vote in November, against an unknown, underfunded Democrat.
mlive.comLaketown Township seeking state grants for pickleball court, park improvements and paths
HOLLAND, MI – Laketown Township is looking to construct another pickleball court, more hiking trails and a pedestrian path with the help of $1.07 million in state grant dollars. If approved, the funds would help build another pickleball court and other improvements at Township Hall Park, 4338 Beeline Road. In the first grant application, the township is seeking a $772,500 grant from the state to help expand and improve Township Hall Park with an additional pickleball court, hiking trails, an exercise station and a playground for children. The township built two pickleball courts at the park last year, and officials say they have been busy all season. A long-term goal for the township is to connect the path to the west, over the I-196 bridge, to link with the Saugatuck Township bike path.
mlive.comMichigan Congressman Fred Upton served with 7 presidents. Here’s what he thinks of each.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI - U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, served with seven presidents during his 36 years in Congress. Instead, Upton quickly entered the political arena via David Stockman, a Michigan Republican congressman who served for four years and later became the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the Reagan administration. At that point, Upton represented the 4th District, which included the southwest corner of Michigan, anchored by St. Joseph/Benton Harbor. Wolpe had a “tough district,” Upton said, “but he won in part because he had very good constituent service,” and Upton paid close attention to how Wolpe ran his operation. When redistricting put Wolpe and Upton both in the newly formed 6th District, Wolpe decided not to run, giving Upton a clear path to re-election in 1992.
mlive.comCongressman Fred Upton receives honorary doctorate degree from Western Michigan University
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees voted Thursday to award retiring U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, an honorary degree. for his support of the university and contributions to education policy in Michigan. Related: Western Michigan University may give Congressman Fred Upton an honorary degreeUpton, who announced in April he would retire after his current term, worked for the Reagan administration before being elected to Congress in 1986. Board President Lynn Chen-Zhang said the degree recommendation came to the board from WMU’s honorary degree committee. WMU Vice President for Government Relations Jeff Breneman said Upton has been a national leader for university research.
mlive.comPolice investigating Northwest Grand Rapids stabbing
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A man was injured Wednesday, Nov. 30 in a stabbing in Northwest Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids police said there was an argument between two people over a trespassing issued when one of the person used a box cutter to cut the other person. Police said they believed the injured person needed stitches but the wound otherwise was not serious. The stabbing happened in the 800 block of Lincoln Avenue NW, north of Walker Avenue, about 7 p.m. Wednesday. On his way out the door, Congressman Fred Upton is ‘very troubled’ about state of GOPGrand Rapids library patrons can now pick up requested materials 24/7
mlive.comSuspect arrested in Kalamazoo County stabbing
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – Sheriff’s deputies arrested a suspect in a stabbing early Thursday, Dec. 1, in Oshtemo Township. The stabbing was reported at 4:16 a.m. in the 700 block of West KL Avenue, Kalamazoo County sheriff’s deputies said. Police were told that a man had been stabbed and the suspect was fleeing on foot. Sheriff’s deputies, along with Kalamazoo police, state police and Western Michigan University police, began a search in the area and arrested the suspect a short time later. The suspect was taken to the Kalamazoo County Jail.
mlive.comOn his way out the door, Congressman Fred Upton is ‘very troubled’ about state of GOP
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Longtime Michigan U.S. Rep. Fred Upton is not happy about the current state of the Republican Party. “I’m very troubled,” Upton, R-St. Joseph, told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette in an interview Tuesday, Nov. 29 about his party, also known as the GOP (Grand Old Party).
mlive.comSlower mail delivery expected in Southwest Michigan with new federal plan
KALAMAZOO, MI – Delivery times for mail through the United States Postal Service may be slower if a consolidation plan moves forward in Southwest Michigan. Then they would pick up the mail, drive back to their communities, deliver it and then return the USPS truck to 9th Street. Overall, carriers from 21 locations would drive to 9th Street to start every shift. Delivery costs will go up through the consolidation plan too, Trayer said. Any crashes that happen as carriers drive from 9th Street to their routes will also have a financial impact.
mlive.comU.S. Reps. Upton, Dingell call for civility in political discourse
Appearing on the panel with Montgomery were U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, both members of Congress’ bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. That discourse needs to start at the community level, Dingell said. There is also no campaigning allowed against other members of the caucus, something that leads to trust, Dingell said. “I would say it’s not just money or party, but everybody’s afraid of Donald Trump,” Dingell added. “Social media, which was supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread has become such a source of harm,” Dingell said.
mlive.comFred Upton visits shuttered baby formula factory that’s expected to reopen soon
Congressman Fred Upton is eager for the baby formula plant in his district to be up and running again. Upton, R-St. Joseph, relayed his sense of urgency after touring the Abbott Nutrition facility Wednesday, May 25. The tour came as the country faces a shortage of baby formula worsened by the closure of the factory. Abbott Nutrition’s Michigan formula plant, the largest in the U.S., has been closed since February due to contamination problems. Related: Can’t find baby formula?
mlive.comMichigan Matters: The Roundtable Returns & Sports Takes Center Stage – CBS Detroit
Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Roundtable returns on CBS 62’s “Michigan Matters” set as Denise Ilitch, Derrick Miller and Susy Avery appear to talk about the Motor City, the region, politics and much more.
detroit.cbslocal.comMichigan Matters: The Roundtable Returns & Sports Takes Center Stage – CBS Detroit
Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Roundtable returns on CBS 62’s “Michigan Matters” set as Denise Ilitch, Derrick Miller and Susy Avery appear to talk about the Motor City, the region, politics and much more.
detroit.cbslocal.comFred Upton announces retirement from Congress
Fred Upton, Michigan’s longest serving member of Congress, is retiring, he announced today from the House floor. Upton is Michigan’s longest serving member of Congress. “I worked daily on all things Michigan,” Upton said. In 2020, for the 18th time, Upton won reelection to his seat representing Michigan’s 6th Congressional District. The final results of Michigan’s 6th Congressional race left Upton with 58.1% of the vote and Democrat Jon Hoadley with 37.89% of the vote.
mlive.comCongressman Fred Upton tests positive for COVID-19
Congressman Fred Upton tested positive for COVID-19 after taking a routine test, according to a post on his official Twitter account. Upton is fully vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms, he said on Twitter. Per CDC protocol, Upton will isolate for the next five days as required, the message states. Upton is Michigan’s longest serving member of Congress. In February, Upton released a 60-second ad to play up his accomplishments, while still not commenting on whether or not he is running for reelection in 2022.
mlive.com‘You will die’: Ohio woman accused of sending racist death threats to Michigan Democrats
Sandra Bachman of Batavia, Ohio, is accused of leaving racist voicemails to Anthony in May 2021 and Johnson in June of 2021. Johnson reported receiving threats for criticizing Rudy Giuliani and other Trump attorneys’ efforts to overturn the presidential election. Read more: Police investigate death threats and racist slurs directed at Michigan lawmaker in explicit voicemailOther Michigan officials to receive death threats in recent months include Gov. We’ll be coming to Michigan soon to remove you from your post.”The Ohio woman is also accused of leaving a threatening voicemail for Rep. Johnson in June 2021. Bachman allegedly called Johnson racial slurs in voicemails that also contained death threats: “You will die.
mlive.comKalamazoo City Hall lights will turn blue and yellow, in solidarity with people of Ukraine
KALAMAZOO, MI -- The city of Kalamazoo will show its solidarity with the people of Ukraine by lighting City Hall blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, starting at sunset Monday, Feb, 28. “We are proud to shine the colors of their flag and join the global community standing in solidarity with Ukraine.”The colors will be displayed for one week, the city said. Russian forces invaded Ukraine last week and are attacking the country including Kyiv, the capitol city. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, criticized Putin in a statement last week, and said he supports sanctions against Russia. Community members gather together at the University of Michigan Diag to show their support for Ukraine on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Ann Arbor.
mlive.comLawmakers propose tax cuts, react to war in Ukraine: The week in Michigan politics
LANSING, MI — As the world watched Russian forces invade Ukraine this week, so did Michigan’s state lawmakers and congressional delegation. Gretchen Whitmer has called unsustainable compared to her proposals. She has been on a statewide tour to promote her proposal to repeal a “retirement tax,” created a decade ago to offset corporate tax cuts. The plan is the latest in a string of tax cut proposals circulated by Michigan officials in light of record-high revenues in recent years. Gretchen Whitmer signed a trio of bipartisan bills aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs Wednesday.
mlive.comCongressman Fred Upton calls Putin a ‘thug,’ supports sanctions as Russia invades Ukraine
The congressman who represents Southwest Michigan has called Russian President Vladimir Putin “a criminal and a thug” as Russian forces invaded Ukraine. “I support every effort to impose swift and severe sanctions on Russia immediately,” Upton said, in a statement posted on social media just before noon Thursday, Feb. 24. “Earlier this week the world watched in horror as Russia violently invaded Ukraine” the congressman said. “Today, President Biden announced the U.S. will implement increased sanctions against Russia. “Russia’s economy is heavily reliant on energy exports, the United States and its allies shouldn’t continue purchasing Russian energy, which Putin is using to commit war crimes against Ukraine.
mlive.comNew Fred Upton ad suggests congressman may be running for reelection in 2022
KALAMAZOO, MI — Fred Upton has released a 60-second ad to play up his accomplishments, while still not commenting on the question everyone is asking:Are you running for reelection? Though it does not officially confirm whether Upton is running for reelection, the new ad asks viewers for their support. “Fred Upton is fighting on the front lines of Congress for your priorities as the representative of Michigan’s 6th district. Huizenga confirmed to MLive in January that he plans to run for reelection in 2022 in the new district. A majority of voters in 2020 elections who live within the new district supported Republicans (54%), while 46% supported Democrats.
mlive.comNew Southwest Michigan congressional district pits incumbents against one other, creating uncertainty and opportunity
KALAMAZOO, MI — New congressional district boundaries across Michigan have created some uncertainty, but also opportunity for candidates, of who will likely represent West and Southwest Michigan communities in Congress. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, has so far been silent about his plans for the future after new congressional boundaries after numerous requests from reporters about whether he plans to run for reelection in 2022.
mlive.comThe next US civil war is already here – we just refuse to see it
The right has recognized that the system is in collapse, and it has a plan: violence and solidarity with treasonous far-right factions On the edge of civil war? The political problems are both structural and immediate, the crisis both long-standing and accelerating. Illustration: Anthony Gerace/The Guardian Nobody wants what’s coming, so nobody wants to see what’s coming. On the eve of the first civil war, the most intelligent, the most informed, the most dedicated people in the United States co
news.yahoo.comMichigan’s new U.S. House maps set up battlegrounds, contests between incumbents
U.S. Reps. Andy Levin and Haley Stevens are both running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. Michigan’s 13th Congressional District is also poised to feature a primary match between U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, and state Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit. Michigan’s new 1st Congressional District is similar to its previous incarnation but now extends further south into the Lower Peninsula. Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District is expected to become more competitive with the adoption of new boundaries. “I’m excited to let you know that I’m running for reelection in Michigan’s new 9th Congressional District,” McClain said Tuesday.
mlive.comProtecting Our Democracy Act Represents ‘Lessons Learned’ From Trump Era, Levin Says
Last week, the U.S. House passed the Protecting Our Democracy Act, largely along party lines. Listen: Rep. Andy Levin talks about the Protecting Our Democracy Act and federal response to the shooting in Oxford. GuestRep. Andy Levin is a Democrat from Bloomfield Township representing Michigan’s 9th District. Finally, Levin talks about the recent mass school shooting in Oxford and what he sees as the urgent need for federal laws to address America’s gun violence epidemic. “I’m sick of thoughts and prayers and it’s time for those of us with the power to act to act and pass laws,” he says.
wdet.orgWoman to undergo psychiatric treatment after death threat left at U.S. Rep. Fred Upton’s office
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A woman accused of threatening a congressman will undergo psychiatric treatment. Donna Marie Royal, 62, is accused leaving a death threat by voicemail at the Kalamazoo office of U.S. Rep Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, on Sept. 22.
mlive.comCompetency at issue in death threat left at U.S. Rep. Fred Upton’s office
KALAMAZOO, MI – A judge on Wednesday, Nov. 30, is expected to decide if a woman who allegedly left a death threat at U.S. Rep. Fred Upton’s Kalamazoo office is competent to stand trial. Donna Marie Royal was indicted by a federal grand jury in late September on a charge of interstate communication with threat to injure, a potential five-year felony. Royal, who was arrested in Lawton, is accused of calling the Upton’s Kalamazoo office on Sept. 22 and leaving a threatening voicemail, according to a transcript in the indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. The message warned that a woman should be left alone “or you will be put away and murdered. Upton, R-St. Joseph, was also threatened after he joined 12 other Republicans in passing the federal infrastructure bill on Nov. 5.
mlive.comMichigan GOP panel to vote on resolutions censuring 2 congressmen, calling for resignation of state senator
An internal committee of the Michigan Republican Party is set to vote on a pair of resolutions on Saturday censuring two members of Congress who supported the Jan. 6 commission and calling for the resignation of a state senator who authored an election report stating that former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.
House backs commission on Jan. 6 riot over GOP objections
The House has voted to create an independent commission on the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, sending the legislation to an uncertain future in the Senate as Republican leaders work to stop a bipartisan investigation that is opposed by former President Donald Trump.
Local 4 News at 5 -- March 26, 2021
Here’s what is coming up on Local 4 News at 5:Michigan GOP chair causes controversy with ‘witches,’ assassination remarksThe leader of Michigan’s Republican Party referred to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and two other top Democratic elected woman as “witches” that the GOP wants to “soften up” for a “burning at the stake” in the 2022 election. He also joked about assassination when he was asked how to remove two GOP congressmen, Reps. Fred Upton and Peter Meijer, who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump.
Michigan GOP chair calls top Democratic women ‘witches,’ mentions assassination
LANSING, Mich. – The leader of Michigan's Republican Party referred to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and two other top Democratic elected woman as “witches" that the GOP wants to “soften up” for a “burning at the stake” in the 2022 election. He also joked about assassination when he was asked how to remove two GOP congressmen, Reps. Fred Upton and Peter Meijer, who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump. Someone asked Weiser about “witches in our own party.”He said: "Ma’am, other than assassination, I have no other way other than voting out. Weiser, a major Republican donor, personally gave money to both Upton, a longtime congressman, and Meijer — now a freshman representative — in 2020.
Once the mainstream model, Michigan GOP embraces right wing
While the state has swung back to Democrats since Trump's narrow 2016 win, choosing President Joe Biden by more than 150,000 votes, Michigan's Republican Party has taken a hard right turn. Ad“All these things were a catalyst,” said Ken Sikkema, a former Michigan GOP Senate leader whose Grand Rapids district lost 5,000 jobs with three plant closures just before the 2008 crash. “Forces of nature take over at that point, and those forces were definitely tilting right, extreme far-right," said Venable, who was state Republican Party chief of staff in 2010. AdNodding to the emerging right wing, Michigan GOP fundraiser Ron Weiser invited Maddock to share the ticket for his bid to become state party chair. All the while, Michigan's GOP leadership has for the first time in memory bestowed legitimacy on its state's militia, long relegated to the shadows.
Nebraska Sen. Sasse bets political future on opposing Trump
The 63-year-old auto mechanic praises Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse for condemning former President Donald Trump's actions before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. AdSasse's criticism of Trump is angering plenty of activists in deeply Republican Nebraska. He is, in effect, betting there's a political future in trying to fight for the comeback of the establishment Republican party. Limited government.”Even in Nebraska, Sasse has some reason to think there's a market for what he's selling. Meanwhile, 7% of Republicans voted for Biden, while 3% of Republicans voted for Sasse's challenger, Democrat Chris Janicek.
Michigan lawmakers back bill aiming to help low-income neighborhoods
Several members of Michigan’s congressional delegation are backing a bill that would help neighborhoods rebound from the current financial crisis. The bill, introduced Thursday by Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, is large and sweeping. It would be one of the largest bills aimed at fixing blight and keeping low-income neighborhoods together. “We don’t want to tear down our neighborhoods anymore, we want to invest in them,” Tlaib said. The only GOP official to co-sponsor the bill is also from Michigan, Rep. Fred Upton.
In Iowa, a GOP stalwart becomes a casualty in party war
Former Scott County Republican Party chairman Dave Millage at his home, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Bettendorf, Iowa. “These were friends I had made over the years in the Republican Party,” Millage, a longtime conservative activist in eastern Iowa, said in an Associated Press interview days later. But it turned a little personal.”Indeed, years of anti-abortion rights advocacy and devout party organizing didn't shield the typically understated Iowa Republican from retribution. Millage's adopted hometown of Bettendorf especially has a tradition of electing Republican state legislators and local officials. AdIn Maricopa County, Arizona, Rae Chornenky stepped down as GOP chair this month amid a power struggle with those in the state party claiming widespread election fraud.
Michigan members of Congress want briefing on National Guard deployments to DC
A group of Michigan members of Congress are seeking an intelligence briefing on the redeployment of the Michigan National Guard to Washington, D.C. It has come to our attention that 1,000 members of the Michigan National Guard will be returning to Washington, D.C. to assist with ongoing security efforts at the U.S. Capitol. It is also our understanding that this new assignment will require the Guard members to be in our nation's capital until mid-March. It is critical that there remains due justification to send members of Michigan's National Guard back to Washington, D.C. AdRelated: Michigan National Guard deploys additional troops to assist state with COVID-19 response
Michigan’s members of Congress discuss voting on impeachment of President Trump
LANSING, Mich. – Freshman Michigan GOP Congressman Peter Meijer was joined by the delegation’s most senior GOP Congressman Fred Upton in supporting the impeachment of President Donald Trump. “At the end of the day, this was a vote of conscience and this is where my conscience led me,” Meijer said. READ: President Trump releases new video condemning US Capitol riotREAD: Michigan lawmakers react to second impeachment of President Donald TrumpHouse votes to impeach President Trump for violent Capitol insurrectionThe U.S. House voted to impeach President Donald Trump on Wednesday for his role in inciting the attack on the Capitol last week. All of Michigan’s Democratic lawmakers voted in favor of impeachment. A total of 10 Republicans voted to impeach Trump, the most bipartisan support any impeachment has received in U.S. history.
Led by Cheney, 10 House Republicans back Trump impeachment
3 House GOP leader — voted to impeach President Donald Trump Wednesday over the deadly insurrection at the Capitol. The GOP votes were in sharp contrast to the unanimous support for Trump among House Republicans when he was impeached by Democrats in December 2019. Cheney, whose decision to buck Trump sparked an immediate backlash within the GOP, was the only member of her party's leadership to support impeachment, which was opposed by 197 Republicans. The younger Cheney has been more critical of Trump than other GOP leaders, but her announcement hours before Wednesday's vote nonetheless shook Congress. After the impeachment vote, Trump released a video calling on his supporters to remain peaceful amid concerns about additional violence in the days before President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
The Latest: Biden hopes Senate can balance trial, other work
___5:40 p.m.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer vows there will be an impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, even if it’s after he leaves office and Democrat Joe Biden is inaugurated. If the House impeaches President Donald Trump, a Senate trial on whether to convict him of inciting insurrection seems all but certain to have to wait until President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated. ___1:05 p.m.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is suggesting that President Donald Trump should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting Arab-Israeli peace. ___12:45 p.m.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says President Donald Trump represents a “clear and present danger” to the nation and must be impeached. ___8:15 a.m.Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger is predicting more Republicans will join him in voting to impeach President Donald Trump.
A look at how Trump’s 2nd impeachment will unfold
After the rioting at the Capitol, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said "we must take action,” and Democrats — and some Republicans — share her view ahead of Wednesday's vote. That’s what happened in 2019, when the House impeached Trump over his dealings with the president of Ukraine. No Republicans supported Trump's first impeachment in 2019. Some Democrats suggested Pelosi might wait to send the articles and allow Biden to begin his term without impeachment hanging over him. What impeachment would meanDemocrats say they have to move forward, even if the Senate doesn't convict.
Trump impeached after Capitol riot in historic second charge
With the Capitol secured by armed National Guard troops inside and out, the House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump. Even Trump ally Kevin McCarthy, the House Republican leader, shifted his position and said Wednesday the president bears responsibility for the horrifying day at the Capitol. A Capitol Police officer died from injuries suffered in the riot, and police shot and killed a woman during the siege. Ten Republican lawmakers, including third-ranking House GOP leader Liz Cheney of Wyoming, voted to impeach Trump, cleaving the Republican leadership, and the party itself. The president’s sturdy popularity with the GOP lawmakers’ constituents still had some sway, and most House Republicans voted not to impeach.
EXPLAINER: What's next after House impeachment vote
Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has been impeached by the House days before leaving office, becoming the first American president to be impeached twice. The previous three impeachments — those of Presidents Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Trump — took months before a final vote, including investigations in the House and hearings. It's unclear, for now, exactly how that trial will proceed and if any Senate Republicans will vote to convict Trump. In the House, 10 Republicans joined Democrats in voting to impeach Trump, including Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, the third-ranking Republican. DIFFERENT CHARGES, DIFFERENT IMPEACHMENTThis impeachment trial is likely to differ from the last one in many ways.
Michigan GOP Congressman Fred Upton: ‘I will vote to impeach’
FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2019 file photo, Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., is seen at U.S. Capitol in Washington. For more than 30 years and under five presidents, Upton has easily won re-election to his southwest Michigan House seat by touting "common-sense values" and bipartisan accomplishments. (Anna Moneymaker/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON – Michigan GOP Congressman Fred Upton of St. Joseph said he will vote to impeach President Donald Trump. Upton is the first Republican member of the state’s delegation of U.S. House to say he will vote for impeachment. New York Rep. John Katko was the first Republican to say he’d vote to impeach Trump.
Michigan members of Congress weigh in on COVID stimulus status
LANSING, Mich. – Members of the Michigan delegation are weighing in on the stimulus stalemate. With President Donald Trump’s demand for $2,000 checks, some democrats are finding themselves in a pretty unusual situation. Trump’s sudden demand for $2,000 checks for most Americans was swiftly rejected by House Republicans on ThursdayREAD: GOP blocks $2,000 checks as Trump leaves COVID aid in chaosCongresswoman Debbie Dingell spoke out in Washington on Thursday. Republicans blocked the bill in part because they wanted to cut foreign aid before sending larger checks to Americans. The rare Christmas Eve session of the House lasted just minutes, with help for millions of Americans awaiting Trump’s signature on the bill.
Michigan leader: Trump didn't ask for election interference
The Republican National Committee and the state Republican Party want the board to adjourn for 14 days to investigate alleged irregularities in Wayne County, the state's largest and home to Detroit. “Michigan election law clearly requires that the state’s electors must be those nominated by the party that received the most votes — not the Legislature,” says a stock email House Republicans are sending in response to people who contact their offices. Experts on Michigan election law have said the state board's authority is limited in scope and that it must certify the results now that all 83 counties have reported theirs to the state. The deadline is Dec. 13, but that is five days after the federal “safe harbor” date — when Congress cannot challenge any electors named by that date in accordance with state law. In fact, election officials from both political parties have stated publicly that the election went well and international observers confirmed that there were no serious irregularities.
The Latest: McConnell proposes shifting funds to COVID aid
Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – The Latest on President-elect Joe Biden (all times local):2:45 p.m.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is proposing that Congress funnel $455 billion of unspent small business lending funds toward a new COVID-19 aid package. The Republican leader’s offer Friday comes after a morning meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Critics said the Treasury Department’s move was designed to hinder President-elect Joe Biden’s administration by halting needed lending. Democrat Joe Biden was declared the winner of the election on Nov. 7, but President Donald Trump has refused to concede. Upton says he has not been in contact with the lawmakers from his state who are meeting later with Trump at the White House.
In blue and red states, milestone wins for LGBTQ candidates
According to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which recruits and supports LGBTQ candidates, that leaves only Alaska, Louisiana and Mississippi as states that have never elected an LGBTQ legislator. With the addition of Jones and Torres, there will be nine openly LGBTQ members of the House as of January. Two other Democrats became the first openly transgender people to win seats in their states’ Houses: Taylor Small in Vermont and Stephanie Byers in Kansas. And in New York, Jabari Brisport, a gay math teacher, became the first openly LGBTQ person of color elected to the legislature. And in southwestern Michigan’s 6th District, Jon Hoadley, seeking to become the state’s first openly gay congressman, lost to 17-term GOP Rep. Fred Upton.
General Election results for Michigan U.S. House District 6 on Nov. 3, 2020
The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. You can find results for Michigan U.S. House District 6 here. Find more election results and news on the Decision 2020 page. 🌟 Become an Insider 🌟Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!
Law and order vs. health care as Dems, GOP vie for suburbs
In the Republican-leaning California 48th Congressional District in Orange County, Republican challenger Michelle Steel has talked about taxes, while Rouda has focused on health care and prescription drug costs. The pattern is similar outside Philadelphia, where GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick accuses Democratic challenger Christina Finelo of supporting police defunding. Wagner has voted for bills that would have ended the coverage that former President Barack Obama’s health care law guarantees people with preexisting conditions. Freitas has said he thinks government intrusion into health care doesn't help. Democrats have run health care themed ads against Republicans in numerous states including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska and Texas.
2020 Michigan Primary Election results: 5 key races we’re still tracking
Election Day has turned into Election Week in Michigan with the surge in mail-in voting. While a handful of key races were actually called on Election Night on Tuesday, many races remain in limbo while clerks sort out the remainder of ballots. (UPDATE: Dave Coulter has been declared the winner)Oakland County ProsecutorKaren McDonald is leading incumbent Jessica Cooper in the Democratic primary election for Oakland County Prosecutor. (UPDATE: McDonald has been declared the winner)Primary Election Results by county:🌟 Become an Insider 🌟Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!
Here are the 4 Republicans who voted to condemn Trump's racist tweets
(CNN) - Tuesday's vote on the House Democratic effort to condemn President Donald Trump's use of racist language ended up falling along party lines, with 240 Democrats in favor and 187 Republicans opposed. Four Republicans, however, refused to join their colleagues and decided to condemn their party's President, calling Trump's racist attacks unacceptable. Rep. Will Hurd (TX-23)In an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour Monday, Hurd, the sole black Republican House member, deemed Trump's tweets "racist." Rep. Susan Brooks (IN-05)Brooks, who is retiring from Congress at the end of her term, tweeted Tuesday she voted to condemn Trump's "racially offensive remarks" because they "do not reflect American values." Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)Speaking with a Pennsylvania talk radio station ahead of Tuesday's vote, Fitzpatrick said he took issue with Trump's tone.