LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan Republican Get together has filed a criticism in opposition to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, alleging that her selection of marketing campaign press convention venue violated state election legislation.
Benson formally introduced her bid for governor final week in a press convention held within the foyer of the Richard H. Austin Constructing, a constructing that homes Secretary of State places of work on its fourth ground.
The MIGOP alleges that this selection of venue violated Michigan election legislation and submitted a criticism underneath Part 215(5) of the Michigan Marketing campaign Finance Act, which requires that the Secretary of State examine these allegations. As Benson and her marketing campaign are immediately concerned, the legislation additionally requires that this criticism be referred to the Division of Legal professional Basic.
“We call on the Bureau of Elections to take this complaint seriously and to hold Jocelyn Benson accountable for her flagrant abuses of the public’s trust. We also request that the Bureau of Elections enjoin Secretary Benson and her campaign from future violations and fine them the maximum amount permitted by law,” stated Tyler Henningsen, Political Director of the Michigan Republican Get together. “The integrity of our public office holders must be maintained, and the misuse of taxpayer-funded resources for personal political gain will not be tolerated.”
6 Information attended the aforementioned press convention, and the selection of venue was introduced up by these in attendance a number of instances.
When requested why the convention was held inside as an alternative of out on the steps, Benson replied “It’s cold, so we didn’t want you all to stand outside in the hall, so we are in here.”
She was then requested if different candidates for workplace may use the foyer for his or her press occasions, to which Benson responded “Of course.”
When an attendee stated holding a marketing campaign press convention contained in the constructing had not been permitted earlier than, Benson replied: “Well that’s good to know. It’s certainly never come to my attention, but again, this was an effort to make sure that no one’s getting frostbite.”
A launch from the MIGOP says that the Richard H. Austin Constructing, funded by Michigan Taxpayers isn’t an area open to all however an workplace underneath Benson’s management as Secretary of State.
Nevertheless, the Benson marketing campaign launched a press release to six Information contradicting this, saying “As the Secretary said last Wednesday, the lobby space used is a public space where First Amendment activity can occur as long as it doesn’t interfere with the operation of the building. Any candidate is welcome to use it, and anyone saying otherwise is playing a political game.”
