PARTY CHAIR CONTENDERS
A month ago the jockeying for the party chair post in the state Republican party began and the list of potential hopefuls seems to grow as each week passes. Last month the names being circulated in the rumor mill included Scott Greenlee of Lansing who ran for the party post in 2023; Terry Lynn Land, Michigan Secretary of State from 2003-2011, who lost to Gary Peters in 2014 for the U.S. Senate; state board of education member Nicki Snyder; and Rocky Raczkowski, former state lawmaker and more recently the past party chair for the Oakland Republican Party. If you are keeping track, you can now add another five or more to the list of those likely to try winning the post when the state party in February will hold its convention at which delegates make the decision. Count among them two names of Oakland County Republicans who have formally announced they are seeking the post. One is state Sen. Jim Runestad from White Lake, currently in his second term after serving four years in the state House, along with prior time on the Oakland County Commission. The problem with Runestad is he has suggested to some that he has no intention of giving up his 23rd district Senate seat, which some say could cause him problems when convention delegates learn of this. Also formally announcing for the state GOP top spot is Meshawn Maddock of Milford, who most recently was the co-chair of the party before the ruinous term of Kristine Karamo. Maddock, wife of state Rep. Matt Maddock, has been active in a number of past campaigns and some say will likely have the endorsement of President-elect Donald Trump, which could help with delegates in February. However, some observers say that while the MAGA faction is still strong in the party, the group of delegates is becoming somewhat more moderate and many at the convention will recall that Meshawn was co-chair of the party when it suffered noticeable losses and, as one party regular put it, ”turned off all our traditional donors.” Then there are the charges she is still facing for being part of the attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Another Oakland County name also being tossed around, although without gaining much traction – Lena Epstein, who has failed in a couple of election attempts. She is viewed as having possible access to donors as a part owner of Vesco Oil but some scoff at her chances. Also talked about are Pat Colbeck, a former lawmaker who was a 2018 gubernatorial primary candidate but he may face the same fate as Maddock if moderates rule in February; GOP national committee member Rob Steele; and state party activist Warren Carpenter of Oakland County who used to be the 9th congressional district chair. Over in the Democratic party, there are several names that have been mentioned as possible candidates to replace party chair Lavora Barnes who has announced she will not be seeking a fourth term. However, Curtis Hertel, former state senator, recent candidate for congress and director of legislative affairs for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, has picked up the endorsement of the governor, along with the backing of a long list of other Democrat officeholders, which will likely serve him well at the party convention in February.
