Republicans made their pitch to Michigan voters at a Fox News town hall Monday night, with GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers arguing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is vulnerable among Black and Jewish voters as one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races enters its final two weeks.
Fox News host Sean Hannity also spoke with Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. John James and House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., as the candidates sought to tie Michigan Democrats to government spending, socialism and the party’s progressive wing ahead of Nov. 3.
Early on in the night, Rogers argued that his opponent, El-Sayed, could underperform among a handful of key demographics that traditionally support Democratic candidates, presenting political opportunities for Republicans.
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Hannity pressed Rogers about El-Sayed’s past criticism of former President Barack Obama, whom El-Sayed described as “not the right choice” to advance a progressive agenda following Obama’s 2012 re-election.
“He is dismissive in Detroit. We have just dozens of black pastors that we have talked to, neighborhood leaders in the city of Detroit that weve talked to. Theyre looking for a change,” Rogers said.
Notably, Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed in Detroit on Oct. 24 and has released a video urging voters to support the Democratic nominee.
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Rogers argued the Jewish community could present a unique opportunity for Republicans amid El-Sayed’s criticism of Israel.
Recently, El-Sayed declined to answer whether he viewed Iran or Israel as a greater threat.
“I think both of them have proven dangerous in their own way. One, at risk of attacking us. One, getting us into wars we have no business fighting,” El-Sayed said in a recent debate.
Rogers noted that if only half of Jewish Democratic voters in Michigan felt alienated by El-Sayeds remarks enough to support his campaign, it would provide a significant boost.
“There are about 70,000 Jewish Democrats. If we get half of them to vote for us, which we think â we had an event last night. Had over 1,000 people at it. Were fired up and excited and scared for their children, by the way. Theyre afraid for their children. Theyre with us, and theyre going to vote, we think, 35,000 votes out of the Jewish Democrat â these are normally solid Democratic votes.”
“Thats changing the dynamic,” Rogers added.
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Rep. John James, R-Mich., the states Republican candidate for governor, also appeared with Hannity, presenting his pitch to attendees on what he would do differently if elected.
Alongside promises to reshape education, James promised to create more scrutiny around government programs and expenses.
“Michigan is spending 50% more right now under Gretchen Whitmer than we spent under Rick Snyders administration, the last Republican, and $20 billion more per year than at the height of the pandemic.”
“Michigan does not have a taxation problem. Michigan has a spending problem,” James added.
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