Which Chair Will Represent MRP at RNC Meeting? Neither!

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 01/24/2024) Neither of the disputed, contested, alleged or deposed Michigan Republican Party (MRP) Chairs Kristina Karamo or Pete Hoekstra will be credentialed as voting members at the Republican National Committee (RNC)’s winter meeting next week.

In a letter addressed to both Karamo and Hoekstra, a RNC attorney said upon its “initial review” it appears that Karamo was properly removed in accordance with the bylaws at the Jan. 6 meeting in Commerce Township. 

However, RNC General Counsel Michael Whatley wrote that while it seems like her removal was legitimate, that does not equate to recognizing Hoekstra’s administration as the rightful leadership of the party.

“The Counsel’s Office’s determination is not dispositive, and it recognizes that additional information could conceivably come to light which changes its view,” the letter read. Karamo and Hoekstra are both invited to attend the RNC meeting as guests, Whatley wrote.

The MRP chair has a designated seat as a voting member of the RNC, which many were looking at as a de facto way to resolve the question: “Who is the chair of the Michigan Republican Party?”

Why, of course it would be the individual that the RNC credentials for the winter meeting! But it’s still a question no one wants to try to answer besides the two claiming to be the chair.

Asked who is leading the Michigan Republican Party today during a press conference on the State of the State, Senate Minority Leader Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) said: “I consider us as the leaders of the Michigan Republican Party right now." 

House Minority Leader Rep. Matt Hall (R-Kalamazoo) said Michigan Republicans have what they need to win without relying on a party and that the issue is being over-reported. 

“You look at the number of stories that all of you have written about the Michigan Republican Party. Is that equal to its impact on the state? I would strongly disagree with all of you if you think that it does,” Hall said. “Look at all of the problems I laid out. They deserve more coverage, and that coverage is being taken away by this Michigan Republican Party thing.”