NRCC MEMO: MICHIGAN PRIMARY RESULTS
TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL and NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: AUGUST 3rd, 2016
SUBJECT: MICHIGAN PRIMARY RESULTS
With the Michigan congressional primaries now settled, Democrats are left with lackluster candidates in seats they must win to make good on their bold claims that the House majority is within reach. They will be relying on Detroit carpetbagger Lon Johnson in MI-01 and tax-happy Gretchen Driskell in MI-07. In MI-08, a cloud of uncertainty is only beginning to form as to whether childhood actress Melissa Gilbert can legally be removed from the ballot. As has been the case all around the country, the DCCC’s inability to attract viable challengers in Michigan has handcuffed their chances to make significant gains in the House this year.
MI-01: Jack Bergman, R vs. Lon Johnson, D
Jack Bergman is a Marine Corps veteran and retired commercial airline pilot who has devoted his life to keeping Americans safe. In Congress he will fight to secure the border, strengthen the military, create jobs and rein in government spending. Unlike his Democratic opponent, Bergman has an ideology that fits this socially conservative district.
Democrats are left with carpetbagger Lon Johnson who claims his primary residence is a hunting cabin in the Kalkaska woods despite owning a luxury apartment in downtown Detroit. Johnson will have to answer for the extremely liberal positions he took during his time serving as the Michigan Democratic Party Chairman, including support for abortion rights and expanding Obamacare. These are two issues overwhelmingly opposed in Northern Michigan and are credited as the reason former Congressman Bart Stupak was forced to retire in 2010.
Overview: PVI: R+5; Obama 45.29% – Romney 53.55%. Michigan’s 1st Congressional District is located in Northern Michigan, including all of the Upper Peninsula. Both the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report rate it as “Lean Republican.”
MI-07: Tim Walberg, R vs. Gretchen Driskell, D
Tim Walberg has devoted his time in Congress to pushing back against the tax-and-spend policies of the Obama administration. He has fought to ensure that all children have access to a quality education through his work on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. With $1,484,672 cash on hand, Walberg has demonstrated an ability to raise the resources necessary to run a winning campaign.
Democrats are left with Gretchen Driskell, who has a history of raising taxes on Michigan families. Driskell gained notoriety last year when she was the only member of the Michigan House of Representatives to miss a crucial $1 billion road funding vote because she was campaigning for Congress in Washington, DC. Driskell’s missed vote came after she feigned outrage against Walberg for voting for a short term highway bill while a long-term bill was being finalized. Driskell says she is willing to raise taxes as a way to address the national debt, which certainly will not be popular with voters.
Overview: PVI: R+3; Obama 47.92% – Romney 51.01%. Michigan’s 7th Congressional District is located in Southern Michigan, including Branch, Eaton, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, and Monroe counties and portions of Washtenaw County. The Cook Political Report rates it as “Lean Republican” and the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report rates it as “Toss-up/Tilt Republican.”
MI-08: Mike Bishop, R vs. Melissa Gilbert, D
Mike Bishop has devoted his first term in Congress to working tirelessly to battle opioid-related deaths and had his amendment included as part of The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Bishop’s measure protects children from prescription opioids intended for others. Bishop has also worked to ensure that Michigan students have access to quality higher education and Career Technical Education (CTE).
Democrats face a cloud of uncertainty on who will even be their nominee in November. Actress Melissa Gilbert is expected to make a case to the Michigan Secretary of State that she is unable to continue with her campaign because she is physically unable to handle the “incredibly rigorous demands of a congressional campaign.” Under Michigan law, a candidate is only allowed to be removed from the ballot if he or she moves out of state, is physically incapacitated or dies.
Overview: PVI: R+2; Obama 47.97% – Romney 51.15%. Michigan’s 8th Congressional District is located in Southeast Michigan, including Clinton, Ingham, and Livingston counties and portions of Shiawassee and Oakland counties. The Cook Political Report rates it as “Solid Republican” and the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report rates it as “Safe Republican.”
STATEWIDE ROUNDUP
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in Michigan.
*Indicates Winner determined by AP
MI-01 – GOP Primary
508 of 508 Precincts Reporting (100%)
Jack Bergman* 39%
Tom Casperson 32%
Jason Allen 29%
MI-01 – DEM Primary
508 of 508 Precincts Reporting (100%)
Lon Johnson* 72%
Jerry Cannon 28%
MI-07 – GOP Primary
318 of 318 Precincts Reporting (100%)
Tim Walberg* 75%
Doug North 25%
MI-07 – DEM
Gretchen Driskell* Uncontested
MI-08 – GOP
Mike Bishop* Uncontested
MI-08 – DEM
Melissa Gilbert* Uncontested