https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/21/james-craig-launches-exploratory-committee-michigan-governor/8038297002/

James Craig launches exploratory committee for Michigan governor


Lansing  Republican James Craig, the former Detroit police chief, moved closer to running for Michigan governor Wednesday, launching what he described as an exploratory committee.  A formal announcement of a campaign for governor with events and rallies will likely occur after Labor Day, a statement announcing the formation of the Chief James Craig for Governor Exploratory Committee said.


The new committee will allow him to raise and spend money to advance his bid, something he hasn't been able to do over the last two months as he's openly considered a jump into politics.


Wednesday's press release said the new committee was the first step toward launching Craig's campaign. The former chief also unveiled a video titled "Leading from the Front," announced an upcoming listening tour and debuted a website, chiefjamescraig.com.

"I led as chief of police  and began my life  on the streets of Detroit," Craig said in the statement. "Now it is time to travel the state, and visit other communities.

"I will be talking with law enforcement, hosting small business roundtables, and meeting with voters in their homes to hear about the negative impact the current governor's policies are having on their communities, their workplaces and their families."

Whitmer has a lot of money
Whitmer's campaign revealed that it had raised $8.5 million in 2021 as of Tuesday. The incumbent governor's campaign says she has more than $10 million in cash available to spend.



TDS Republicans continue to eat their own

On Monday, Jeff Timmer, a longtime Republican consultant in Michigan who has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, filed a campaign finance complaint against Craig. Timmer said the former chief had violated the law by not officially forming a fundraising committee yet. Timmer contended in his complaint that Craig had spent money on gas, internet and consultants to advance his campaign, which he hadn't formally launched.

John Yob, a political consultant who appeared at an event with Craig in Grand Rapids on Monday night, pushed back on Timmer's complaint. Yob, who worked with former Gov. Rick Snyder on his 2010 campaign, sent out Craig's press release Wednesday.

Demonrats continue their meaningless bitching
In a statement, the Michigan Democratic Party said Craig was continuing to hide where he stands on key issues.
"James Craig is just another politician that thinks he can get through this messy and crowded GOP field of far-right extremists without any accountability on his stances  clinging to this non-existent 'exploratory' status is just the latest of his question-dodging tactics," said Lavora Barnes, chairwoman of the state Democratic Party.

Press has to add their bullshit
Craig's experience leading the police department in Michigan's largest city and his reputation as a fighter have many within the GOP excited about his expected entry into the race. However, there are many unknowns about the former chief, including his position on an array of issues and how he'll handle questions about Trump, who has become a political lightning rod.