JOHN TRUSCOTT

Carra, however, was the only one to earn the endorsement while attempting to primary outgoing-U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph. Carra, at the time, was not living in Upton’s district though Huizenga was, setting up a natural contest between the two congressional Republicans. Another candidate – Jon Rocha, who ran in Michigan’s 87th House district – was disqualified from the ballot prior to the primary. He added that Trump also has a history of backing candidates only after they appear to be on the winning side of their contests, and that these state House and Senate candidates are no exception. It’s how do you put together enough of a coalition that you get more than 50% of the vote?

Here are nine things to watch to help you follow Michigan’s Nov. 8 general election results like a political pro. Oakland County – in metro Detroit, and Michigan’s second largest county – is key for both candidates. Going back even further, the winner of Oakland County has won Michigan during 15 of the past 16 governor elections. Schauer lost the city by 2,000 in 2014, but Whitmer won Grand Rapids by 30,000 votes, getting nearly 70% of the vote. For reference, Whitmer won Michigan by almost 407,000 votes in 2018 and Snyder won by nearly 130,000 votes in 2014.

A slew of names have arisen as part of a short-list for Dixon’s potential lieutenant governor candidates: Former U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop, ex-House Speaker Jase Bolger, former NBA player Willie Burton. “A lieutenant governor can’t deliver a win, but they can deliver a loss,” he said. The two defeated then-GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Schuette and his lieutenant governor pick Lisa Posthumus Lyons, a former House lawmaker and currently the Kent County clerk. Part of it is also regional,” he said, speaking of traditional guidance for choosing a lieutenant governor candidate. Whitmer kidnap caseHouse Appropriations Committee OKs $216M for police COVID-19 responseDefeated governor candidate Kelley pivots to attacking abortion, voting proposals

“Separation agreements... are used often in the public and private sector when someone in a leadership position leaves an organization. But according to experts and state records, separation agreements and severance pay for high-ranking state leaders have not been commonly used in Michigan state government or in governments generally. People familiar with the state’s personnel processes weren’t surprised the records requests didn’t turn up separation agreements or severance pay. John Engler, said he did not recall any separation agreements in that administration. He said separation agreements came across his desk, but he doesn’t specifically recall any for high-level officials.

LANSING, MI - The Michigan State Capitol Commission won’t likely revisit a vote on a full gun ban in the building, said the commission’s vice-chair, even if the money’s there to implement one. The decision should be made by elected policy makers, Capitol Commission Vice-Chair John Truscott told MLive on Jan. 20. Unlike many state Capitol buildings around the country, visitors to the Michigan Capitol aren’t subject to metal detectors or a security checkpoint upon entry and are allowed to bring firearms into the building, as long as they are concealed. Shirkey supported the open carry ban, but has voiced disapproval for the full ban. Read more: Michigan Capitol Commission agrees it can ban guns, but stops short of doing soSome Senate Democrats, such as Sen. Dayna Polehanki of Livonia, have pushed for a full gun ban in the Capitol building.

LANSING, Mich. – Concerns at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing are on the rise amid chatter of widespread protests in the days leading up to President-Elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration on Jan. 20. Under the recommendation of Michigan State Police, a six-foot tall fence around the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing will be completed Friday to guard against the possibility of violence. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol. Michigan State Police circled the Capitol Building in Lansing in large numbers -- on foot and on bikes -- ahead of the fence going up Friday. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.

The Michigan Capitol Building opened for the first time Wednesday. Democratic members of the Senate decried the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building that left five dead. Newly ensconsed House Speaker Jason Wentworth said working to restore trust in politicians starts with adjusting the Lame Duck Sessions. Another House Bill proposed prohibits legislators from voting on a bill that would personally enrich them or their families. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.

A six-foot fence will be installed around Michigan’s Capitol Friday in anticipation of armed protests as authorities increase security measures in the wake of an insurrectionist riot at the U.S. Capitol last week. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, said she was briefed by U.S. Capitol Police about possible protests in Michigan. The Michigan State Police heightened its security presence at the building after the riots. The fences will remain in place at the recommendation of the Michigan State Police, Truscott said. READ MORE ON MLIVE:Congressman Upton will vote to impeach Trump for inciting Capitol riotsLansing mayor wants National Guard at Michigan Capitol for possible armed protests‘Stark contrast’ of police response to Trump, BLM rallies scrutinized after Capitol riot

LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan is planning to install a six-foot tall fence around the Capitol building due to the possibility of armed protests, Capitol Commissioner John Truscott said. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. The commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol, voted 6-0 in favor of banning firearms from inside the Lansing Capitol building. “No lawmaker, reporter, staff member, or anyone who works in the Michigan Capitol should fear for their safety at work,” Whitmer said. I am hopeful that the Capitol Commission will recognize the need for further action, and I stand ready to assist in implementing this policy to keep Michiganders safe.”

LANSING, MI - The open carry of firearms inside the Michigan Capitol building is banned effective immediately after a unanimous vote Monday from the state’s Capitol Commission. “The Capitol Commission’s action to ban open carry guns at the Capitol is a good start, but more action is needed,” Whitmer said in a statement. During that same meeting, members failed to pass a motion to ban open carry with a split 3-3 vote. Read more: Top Republican signals support for banning open carry in Michigan Capitol, but many say that’s not enoughAll offered brief words of support for the new open carry ban. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 business closures stormed the Michigan Capitol in April, prompting months of discussions over a complete firearms ban in the Capitol.

Gretchen Whitmer and attack the Michigan Capitol building prompted fresh calls to ban firearms from the Capitol — but Republican leaders and a state commission that oversees the building’s maintenance aren’t likely to make any immediate changes. That’s not the case in the U.S. Capitol and most other state Capitol buildings around the country. Both Nessel and independent counsel retained by the commission found the Capitol Commission has the authority to ban guns should they wish to do so. Gretchen Whitmer, start ‘civil war’Panel votes down Michigan Capitol gun ban proposals, but talks continueGun ban debate at Michigan Capitol to resume this weekMichigan Capitol Commission agrees it can ban guns, but stops short of doing soShould Michigan keep allowing guns in the Capitol? Committee to investigateGuns can be banned at Michigan Capitol, says AG Dana NesselCommission second-guesses AG Nessel, wants another opinion on authority to ban guns at Michigan Capitol

LANSING, Mich. (AP) Guns cannot be banned from Michigans Capitol unless legislators change state law, an official who helps oversee the building said Wednesday, less than a week after some protesters armed with rifles shouted at lawmakers inside the Senate chamber. John Truscott, vice chairman of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, said he received early indications from the panels lawyer that we do not have jurisdictions to prohibit weapons in the building. It is not unusual see people with guns inside and outside the Capitol when there are pro-Second Amendment rallies. Firearms are prohibited at the U.S. Capitol building. Last September, Democratic state Sen. Jeremy Moss of Southfield introduced a bill that would end a ban on signs in the state Capitol building, noting people can carry guns inside.

click to enlarge Shutterstock.comMichigan Capitol. Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them. #mileg pic.twitter.com/voOZpPYWOs Senator Dayna Polehanki (@SenPolehanki) April 30, 2020A commission that oversees the State Capitol does not appear to have the authority to ban guns inside the building.John Truscott, vice chairman of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, told the Associated Press that early indications from the panels lawyer suggest that we do not have jurisdictions to prohibit weapons in the building. Thats a legislative function.On Tuesday, Truscott, a gun-owning Republican, said he was disturbed by the armed protesters who stormed the Capitol on April 30 to rally against Gov. There is no reason to be in the Capitol building with your finger near the trigger.On Wednesday, state Rep. Sarah Anthony, a Democrat, was escorted into the Capitol by at least three rifle-toting African Americans.

Brian Charles Watson, Wikimedia Creative CommonsMichigan State Capitol. #mileg pic.twitter.com/voOZpPYWOs Senator Dayna Polehanki (@SenPolehanki) April 30, 2020The days of carrying guns into the Michigan Capitol may be numbered after armed protesters stormed the building to rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order.The Michigan State Capitol Commission is exploring whether it has the authority to ban guns inside the Lansing building. We do not like seeing guns brought into the building loaded guns and Im a Second Amendment advocate and a gun owner, and I did not like what I saw.Truscott said the commission has sought a legal opinion to determine if it has the authority to ban guns inside the building. "Truscott said the most effective way to ban guns from the Capitol is through the Legislature.One way to easily deal with this is to pass a law, Truscott said.