James Craig has formed an exploratory committee to run for the Republican nomination for Governor in Michigan. It’s a way for the retired Detroit police chief to raise money.
If using the term exploratory seems like hesitation, the ‘Chief James Craig for Governor’ emblazoned on a badge that adorns his campaign material is less subtle. Former Governor Rick Snyder used the same maneuver to see how much cash he could raise before making the announcement official back in 2009.
In a campaign video that is almost entirely about him being a cop, Craig takes credit for the lack of rioting surrounding social justice protests in Detroit.
“Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia. Burned. And even some cities here in Michigan, but not Detroit.”
Craig is named in a civil rights lawsuit after several protesters and legal observers were injured by police during a peaceful demonstration last year. He now heads out on a statewide listening tour to improve his name recognition and campaign’s bottom line.
