Michigan GOP Files Campaign Finance Complaint Against Secretary of State
Michigan’s political landscape is heating up as the state’s Republican Party lodges a campaign finance complaint against Jocelyn Benson, the Secretary of State. The controversy arises from Benson’s choice to address the media regarding her gubernatorial campaign from a state office building.
The complaint, spearheaded by Tyler Henningsen, the political director of the Michigan Republican Party, calls for strict measures against Benson. “We call on the Bureau of Elections to take this complaint seriously and to hold Jocelyn Benson accountable for her flagrant abuses of the public’s trust. We also request that the Bureau of Elections enjoin Secretary Benson and her campaign from future violations and fine them the maximum amount permitted by law,” Henningsen stated in a press release, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity amongst public officials.
Michigan’s election law prohibits the use of state resources for political activities. The law specifies, “A public body or a person acting for a public body shall not use or authorize the use of funds, personnel, office space, computer hardware or software, property, stationery, postage, vehicles, equipment, supplies, or other public resources to make a contribution or expenditure or provide volunteer personal services that are excluded from the definition of contribution.” However, it also allows public facilities to be used if all candidates have equal access.
When asked why she chose to speak in the Richard H. Austin Building instead of outside, as is customary, Benson cited the harsh weather conditions. She assured that other candidates would be afforded the same opportunity, saying, “Of course.”
Following the complaint filed by the Michigan GOP, Benson’s campaign stood by the decision to use the location. Campaign spokesperson Alyssa Bradley stated, “The lobby space used is a public space where First Amendment activity can occur as long as it doesn’t interfere with the operation of the building.”
The Michigan Department of State has confirmed the receipt of the complaint, noting that due to the nature of the complaint involving Secretary Benson, it has been forwarded to the Michigan Department of Attorney General for further consideration, as required by law.
—
Read More Michigan News
