Michigan Republicans running in next year’s midterm elections made their way to Midland for the Bill Schuette BBQ Monday evening. The event, hosted by the former state attorney general, comes as the races for U.S Senate and Michigan governor heat up.
Gubernatorial candidates U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Charter Township), former Michigan attorney general Mike Cox and former state House Speaker Tom Leonard all gave speeches at the event. Amir Hassan, who is running to defeat U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) in the 8th Congressional District, also spoke.
U.S Senate candidate and former Congressman Mike Rogers gave remarks at the event, and reiterated his support for federal assistance to help fight violent crime in Michigan's major cities.
“The President of the United States is saying, 'I want to do these things.' We should get in on it. We should do it for our communities," he told WCMU. “I’ve talked to the prosecutors, they're excited because they might get more resources.”
In addition, Rogers said ge supports the Trump administration’s handling of the War in Gaza. “I'm encouraged that the Trump administration is trying to work on a peace deal,” he said.
He called for Hamas to release all of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages
“This could come to a pretty good, quick conclusion if they would give the hostages back. I'm imploring the world, not only just beat the pans and shout, talk about getting those hostages back,” Rogers said.
Rogers added he would fight to protect manufacturing in the state and expressed optimism about the long-term prospects of the Trump administration's economic agenda.
"I talked to a guy whose kind of a medium-sized metal fabricator, he says, for the first time in 25 years he's adding a second shift," Rogers said. "I talked to lots of small manufacturers. They see a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, which means people are going to do better here."
State Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) is seen as a likely candidate for the open state Senate seat. The primary for the special election will run starting early next year. However, Schuette declined to announce a bid at the event.
“To paraphrase the governor, when I have information to share, I'll share it,” he told WCMU. “We're definitely going to work hard to make sure the next senator for the 35th District is a Republican."
On the issues, Schuette touted, phonics-based learning, tax cuts for “seniors and our working families” and cutting regulations.
He also supported spending for a Public Safety Trust fund. Schuette says it would provide “increased resources to put more cops on the streets,” for communities dealing with higher level of crime. “Our families should expect safe streets and safe neighborhoods.”
