(Source: MIRS.news, Published 01/05/2023) Political operative Scott Greenlee is exploring the possibility of running for the Michigan Republican Party's chair position next month. If he takes the plunge, he would be the only name-brand traditional Republican with any political experience in the race.
Greenlee is best known for leading the campaign to get U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Romeo) elected to Congress in 2020. He also worked state Sen. Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville)'s successful 2018 primary and Rep. Jay Deboyer (R-Clay)'s successful primary run in 2022.
He's worked on numerous campaigns since the days of George H.W. Bush and Dan Quayle in 1988, including roles with then-gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder, Attorney General candidate Bill Schuette and the late U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers.
"I haven't fully decided if I'm running, but I pulled the paperwork to keep my options open," Greenlee said. "A lot of people have encouraged me to run. Tomorrow is the deadline, so we'll see what tomorrow at 5 p.m. brings."
At least 10 candidates have pulled papers with the Michigan Republican Party to run. At least 8 have turned in the needed signatures to run. The most notable candidates remain 2022 Attorney General nominee Matt DePerno, Secretary of state nominee Kristina Karamo and congressional candidate Lena Epstein.
A relative newcomer to the political scene with connections to West Michigan powerbrokers, who is also collecting signatures of precinct delegates, is Drew Born, the stepson of entrepreneur J.C. Huizenga.
At this stage, a candidate needs the support of 7 of the 13 congressional district chairs to be a candidate for state party chair.
