'The most 2020 headline': John James weighs in on alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — With just weeks to go before Election Day, John James, Republican candidate for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Gary Peters, held a rally in Battle Creek Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020.
At the rally, James offered his opinion on a group's alleged plan to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this week, calling it domestic terrorism.
"That was insane. That's like the most 2020 headline I've seen this week," he said. "Under no circumstances should we have this at all. I condemn any domestic terrorism and I hate it in all its forms. I swore an oath to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. And the individuals implicated in this should be prosecuted to the fullest extent."
- Kidnapping: Residents in Hartland react to raid in alleged kidnapping plot
- Whitmer speaks: Transcript of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addressing Michigan after charges of kidnapping plot
James, a U.S. Army veteran, said he believed it was his duty to bring Michiganders together.
"With all the vitriol and toxicity and the political process right now, I thought it was very important to give back," he said. "Being able to feed the hungry, help heal the sick, help clothe the naked and take care of our veterans is very, very important, and I’m looking forward to continuing that when I get to Washington."
Michigan's Democratic party has criticized James for his views on health care, saying he was at odds with Michiganders on the issue of coverage protections.
"Instead of listening to Michiganders who overwhelmingly want to keep their coverage protections, James would rather side with (President Donald) Trump and (U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch) McConnell as they push a lawsuit to gut protections for pre-existing conditions," a spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for the John James campaign said James did not support the lawsuit.
This story has been updated with a statement from the John James campaign.
