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Oakland County GOP slams frontrunner John James over debate absence

FILE: Rep. John James, R-MI., speaks during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee
Paul Sancya
/
Associated Press
FILE: Rep. John James, R-MI., speaks during the Republican National Convention Monday, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee

The largest county Republican party in Michigan, and John James, the Republican frontrunner for governor, are at odds over a debate later this month

James—the current Republican frontrunner for governor—has largely avoided sharing the stage with his opponents so far.
 
His campaign argues he’d rather wait until the candidate field is set.
 
But the Oakland County G-O-P this week criticized him for not planning to show up at an upcoming debate.
 
Party senior advisor Brian Szmytke says the absence speaks volumes.
 
“We have lower propensity voters participating in elections at rates that we haven’t seen before and I think it’s imperative that candidates are able to be out there providing clear contrast, right?”
 
Other candidates include businessman Perry Johnson... Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt... and former state Attorney General Mike Cox.

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