(WWJ) Two Michigan legislative leaders have wrapped up their meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, both Republicans, departed Detroit Metro Airport Friday morning to the chants of protesters screaming “Protect our vote!” They were met with more outraged demonstrators when they touched ground in D.C.
The leaders were apparently heading to Washington D.C. together to discuss the election recertification strategy. Some believed the invitation was the President’s attempt to claim Michigan’s 16 Electoral votes, despite Biden winning the state by 150,000 votes.
However, in a release Friday evening, Shirkey and Chatfield said it was the pandemic, not the election, that was top of mind.
“We used our time in the White House to deliver a letter to President Trump making clear our support for additional federal funds to help Michigan in the fight against COVID-19. We have since sent the same correspondence to congressional leaders,” the release read.
They said they would not adhere to the request of Governor Gretchen Whitmer to sign a different letter calling on federal support for Michigan residents suffering from the financial impact of the pandemic.
“We feel it is important to represent our position distinctly from the governor’s,” Shirkey and Chatfield wrote to Mr. Trump. “Michigan businesses have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of their employees and patrons. Subjecting these businesses to another round of government-mandated shutdowns will likely result in the permanent shuttering of some establishments and contribute to a lengthy decline in Michigan’s economy.”
Shirkey and Chatfield added they did not feel businesses were the main contributor to the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan—but instead, was fueled by “the social habits of individuals and families who are fatigued of dealing with practices…to help combat the spread.”
They stated they support any federal funds aimed at buoying hospitals such as making sure they have adequate staffing, personal protective equipment and hazard pay for frontline workers; as well as financial support for families who are out of work.
The pair also vowed to pass a balanced state budget: “Michigan may experience ongoing deficits as a result of COVID-19, but we do not expect Congress to bail us out. Instead, we seek your partnership in making available federal dollars that will have a direct positive impact on our citizens in their time of greatest need.”
As for the Election…Shirkey said they are not aware of any information that would tip the outcome in Mr. Trump’s favor.
“We will follow the law and follow the normal process regarding Michigan’s electors,” they said in their statement.
This meeting comes days after two Republican canvassers in Wayne County refused to certify the results, leading to a deadlock. After public backlash, they reversed their decisions and certified the votes, 2-1 for Biden. When Mr. Trump spoke with them, they attempted to rescind their vote. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the canvassers had no legal basis to do so.
The AP reports, if Trump convinces Michigan’s state board of canvassers not to certify Biden’s victory in the state, state lawmakers could be called on to select electors, "but such a brazen move would be unprecedented and possibly illegal. It would be certain to draw a swift legal challenge.”
The President has not made any statement on his meeting with Shirkey and Chatfield.
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