Topline
Republican leaders in the Michigan legislature who met with President Trump at the White House on Friday announced they would “follow the law” when it comes to certifying Joe Biden’s win in their state, a blow to President Trump’s hopes of overturning the election results.
TOPSHOT – Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise and Michigan State Representative Lee Chatfield(R) … [+]
AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
In a statement released after their meeting with Trump – which raised concerns they may go back on their initial pledges not to block certification – the lawmakers said they have “not been made aware” of information that would “change the outcome of the election in Michigan.”
Instead, the statement said, they will “follow the law and follow the normal process regarding Michigan’s electors, just as we have said throughout this election,” which means they will not heed Trump’s wish of overturning Biden’s 3-point victory.
After losing the vast majority of his lawsuits, succeeding only marginally in others and failing to produce evidence for his claims of widespread fraud, Trump has resorted to putting pressure on state officials to block certification.
In what appeared to be a shot at Trump, or at least at the suggestion they would assist Trump with his plan, the lawmakers said in their statement the certification process “should be a deliberate process free from threats and intimidation.”
“The candidates who win the most votes win elections and Michigan’s electoral votes,” the lawmakers stated clearly, concluding, “These are simple truths that should provide confidence in our elections.
Forbes has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.
Key Background
Michigan’s certification process has been mired in controversy since the two Republicans on Wayne County’s board of canvassers initially refused to certify the county’s results before making a deal with Democrats to certify. Afterwards, the lawmakers attempted to “rescind” their certification alleging they had been duped after Trump reportedly called them both. The Trump campaign dropped its lawsuit attempting to block certification in the state despite officials saying the board members could not rescind their votes.
Tangent
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican and staunch Trump supporter who had signaled some agreement with Trump’s unfounded fraud claims, announced plans to certify his state’s results on Friday despite public pressure from Trump, noting his “solemn responsibility to follow the law.” Kemp nonetheless noted Trump can still legally challenge the results, which the Trump campaign has said it will do.
Surprising Fact
Trump’s apparent failure to persuade the Michigan lawmakers has reportedly not deterred him in his efforts to influence certification processes of other states. Discussions are underway in the White House about inviting GOP legislators from Pennsylvania, CNN reported.
What To Watch For
The deadline for both Michigan and Pennsylvania to certify its results is Monday, meaning. Along with Georgia and the safely Democratic states the Trump campaign has not contested, that amounts to more than 270 electoral votes.
Further Reading
Report: Trump Invites Michigan Lawmakers To White House As He Attempts To Overturn Election Results (Forbes)
Trump Reportedly Called Local Michigan Officials Before They Tried To Rescind Election Certification (Forbes)
Senate Republicans Grow Increasingly Critical Of Trump’s Electoral Machinations (Forbes)
Source: Forbes – Business
