MORE THE MERRIER

One-term former Congressman Peter Meijer (R-Grand Rapids), who lost his bid for a second term in the 2022 Republican primary after voting in his early days in office to impeach former President Donald Trump (and Trump endorsed his opponent ), has announced he is joining an increasingly crowded Republican field to be the candidate for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan in 2024. Meijer, an Iraq war veteran, is the grandson of the founder of the Meijer grocery store chain, so there shouldn’t be a problem with cash to run a race for a primary that now has seven – and counting – candidates, including former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Brighton and former Detroit Police Chief and failed gubernatorial candidate James Craig, among other less recognizable names. When Meijer ran for a second term, the cost of the race to the candidate committee was just over $3 million, one million of which he personally loaned the campaign. Meijer said he and his wife had prayed on his decision to join the race. “My family has taught me the value of hard work, Michigan values, and the importance of service.” Word is that Trump agreed not to make any disparaging statements against Meijer – if he wins the primary. Let’s see if he holds to his word. But the MAGA crowd isn’t likely to throw their support behind Meijer, with the Michigan Republican Party initially tweeting, “Peter Meijer voted to impeach President Trump. Remember that,” before deleting it and blaming it on an intern. The National Republican Senatorial Committee said Meijer isn’t a viable candidate, and “the base would not be enthused in the general election.” Speaking of Craig, who has been radio silent since announcing his candidacy, word is his original campaign manager has already said “adios” 17 days after he announced. Sound similar to his run for governor when he lost two campaign managers? We thought so.