(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/25/2023) Republican presidential candidates looking to pick up at least some of the 39 of Michigan's 55 Republican delegates selected as part of the new convention/caucus process will need to pony up $20,000 to the party to be considered, under action taken Sunday by the MIGOP State Committee.
Tom Norton, who was a proxy for State committee member Jon Rocha, said it was a close vote at Sunday's meeting, but the measure to add the fee passed. He said he understood the logic behind it as the MIGOP is looking under every rock and sofa cushion for money. It's also not unprecedented.
South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas and other states require candidates to pay as much as $50,000 to be considered by the state's delegates. However, Norton questioned on the MIRS Monday podcast whether it would raise much money since it's doubtful many candidates will be left standing by the time Michigan delegates vote.
By the time the caucus happens, he expects nearly all of the candidates will have dropped out, leaving Trump as the only one left standing. The caucus will need to take place after March 1, after the Feb. 27 primary election, during which only 16 of the 55 delegates will be awarded.
Former Michigan Republican Party (MRP) Executive Director Jason Roe agreed that the fee requirement would be a barrier for just about anyone who happens to still be around at that point.
"They want to make sure this is a layup for Trump," Roe said. "Especially when it's an uphill climb to begin with."
