Michigan’s Secretary of State Faces Campaign Finance Act Violation
In a notable turn of events, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has been found to have breached the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. The incident arose from her decision to hold a press conference in the lobby of a state office building to announce her candidacy for governor. This conclusion was shared on Monday by the Michigan Attorney General’s office.
The situation is particularly awkward for Benson, given her role in overseeing the enforcement of the state’s campaign finance laws. Her campaign, however, dismissed the complaint initiated by Republican activists, asserting it lacked substance. The Michigan Campaign Finance Act explicitly prohibits the use of public assets for campaign-related activities by elected officials.
Jocelyn Benson, a Democratic candidate, relocated her announcement indoors due to inclement weather. Her campaign defended this move, stating it was conducted on her personal time and not in an official capacity. They described the lobby as “a public space where First Amendment activity can occur as long as it doesn’t interfere with the operation of the building.”
Assistant Attorney General Joshua Booth, however, disagreed with this interpretation. He stated, “Secretary Benson invited members of the press inside the (Richard A.) Austin Building and then conducted a press conference, professionally dressed, during the day, in the lobby of the building that houses her office.” He added that the setting would lead a reasonable person to conclude that Benson was acting in her official capacity.
Despite the infraction, Booth noted that there is no provision to penalize the Benson campaign due to a loophole in the law. The Michigan Campaign Finance Act does not explicitly include the Secretary of State among the offices it covers, leaving the Attorney General with limited recourse. Booth suggested that the Legislature consider addressing this oversight to prevent “unequal treatment.”
Benson’s spokesperson, Alyssa Bradley, acknowledged the statement as “a new interpretation” of the law, expressing appreciation for the clarity provided by the Attorney General’s office.
Republicans were quick to seize on the issue. Kollin Crompton, Rapid Response Director for the Republican Governors Association, criticized Benson’s actions, stating she “betrayed the trust of taxpayers” and violated the laws she is meant to oversee.
In the race for governor, Benson joins other candidates such as Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson from the Democratic side. On the Republican front, the announced candidates include former Attorney General Mike Cox, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, U.S. Representative John James, and truck driver Anthony Hudson from Genesee County. Additionally, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has declared his candidacy as an independent.
—
Read More Michigan News
