Former MI GOP Director Accuses James Craig Of Finance Violation

LANSING, MI — A former director of the Michigan Republican Party has accused the person some believe will be running against Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2022 of violating state campaign finance laws.

Former MIGOP executive director Jeff Timmer on Monday filed a complaint with the state accusing former Detroit Police Chief James Craig of campaigning illegally by not registering a campaign with the Michigan Secretary of State's office, a violation of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act.

Timmer told The Detroit Free Press Monday that Craig exceeded a 10-day deadline candidates are given to set up their campaign beginning with when they spent or received money for their campaign.

Craig has spent money on gas, internet and consultants for campaign work, Timmer told The Detroit News, claiming that violates the act.

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In a statement released Tuesday, a spokesperson with the Michigan Democratic party said Craig has been conducting "shady activity."

“Look no further than his softball gauntlet of nearly 30 national network appearances since May and dress rehearsal events across Michigan where he’s delivered poll-tested lines off multiple teleprompters," MDP spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite said. "Craig clearly enjoys being in front of cameras but is worried about the scrutiny that comes with being a candidate -- getting immediately whisked away by Lansing consultants into black SUVs and emergency exits after his speeches to dodge questions from both local reporters and voters.

"There’s no doubt his political activity since May has certainly tripped the one dollar threshold, and we look forward to what the secretary of state’s office uncovers as they investigate the extent of Craig’s active negligence for law and order.”

Craig has been considered by many to be a promising Republican candidate in the state's gubernatorial race after Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller said in January she would not be running.

Other names making the rounds include Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who earlier this year said she has considered stepping down from her current position in order to challenge Whitmer in 2022, according to a report by Politico's Alex Isenstadt.