Story w/@clarajanehen: Video shows @SenMikeShirkey say bad actors, not Trump supporters, "staged" the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, calling the idea that people who attended Trump's rally then walked down the street to storm the Capitol a "hoax" freep.com/story/news/loc…
"Hell, Mitch McConnell was part of it," Shirkey also said. "I think they wanted to have a mess."
Spox for @GovWhitmer responds: "It’s disappointing that Sen. Shirkey is spending his time on political potshots, indulging conspiracy theories, and expressing empathy for the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building." freep.com/story/news/loc…
More Shirkey, in response to comment he "surrendered" to @GovWhitmer on COVID-19 orders.
“I did contemplate, once or twice, I did contemplate inviting her to a fistfight on the capitol lawn...”
Keep in mind, comments made during a meeting with Hillsdale County Republicans, before county party censured Shirkey for *not doing enough* to support Trump and oppose Whitmer.
GOP members in video accuse Shirkey of being a liar. Shirkey pushes back, says he represents Ds and Rs, and "someday I'll be as perfect as you."
"You're going to have a lot of atrocities to get off your hands first," person responds freep.com/story/news/loc…
More: Shirkey also acknowledges discussing Michigan election results with then-President Trump and Rudy Giuliani (who was on the phone) during a meeting in November at the White House.
Shirkey says he had to interrupt Giuliani, saying, "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy, because he would keep talking. Finally when he stopped (I said), 'When are you going to file a suit in Michigan?'...He never answered the question." freep.com/story/news/loc…
New: Shirkey issues an apology.
He doesn't specify any of the comments he made in the video, but says in general "I apologize for my insensitive comments." freep.com/story/news/loc…
More: Speaker Wentworth, R-Farwell, distances himself from Shirkey.
"Shirkey’s comments are his own and don’t reflect my feelings or beliefs. It’s disappointing that this situation is detracting from the important work we are doing every day." freep.com/story/news/pol…
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Bart Pickelman, the head of Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) telling lawmakers about their COVID-19 workplace safety work.
Look at the number of workplace complaints received pre- and post-pandemic. *Substantially* more during the pandemic.
As one might expect, the number of enforcement inspections were also way up during the pandemic.
This committee meeting has focused substantially more on the impact on a business' public perception if cited for violating COVID-19 regulations, as opposed to the efficacy of these orders, which ones worked best/didn't and whether additional orders are needed
Michigan lawmakers are discussing these and other election bills now. Many of these bills have bipartisan support and, in theory, create changes that may restore confidence in the electoral process. freep.com/story/news/pol…
House GOP lawmakers discussing fears they and other Republicans have expressed about chance for fraud when state mass mails absentee ballot applications (possibly going to non-eligible voters.)
New: Michigan house leaders remove Rep. Gary Eisen, a GOP lawmaker, from his committee assignments.
In a Monday radio interview, Eisen alluded to disruptions of the Electoral College vote. When asked if he could ensure no one would be hurt, he said no freep.com/story/news/pol…
Eisen also acknowledged some legislative buildings are closed today due to a threat of violence.
But he called that threat "convenient," suggesting it is being used to dissuade pro-Trump attempts at disrupting Electoral College proceedings freep.com/story/news/pol…
Eisen, asked if he could ensure people will be safe: "No. I don’t know. Because what we’re doing today is uncharted. It hasn’t been done."
Comments came at roughly same time Stephen Miller mentioned states seating alternate delegates to Electoral College freep.com/story/news/pol…
New: House GOP removes Detroit Democrat from committees, citing 'threats' in her Facebook video.
Rep. Cynthia Johnson, who posted video Tuesday, had received death threats after she attempted to question Rudy Giuliani during a recent legislative hearing. freep.com/story/news/pol…
At end of video, Johnson referenced law enforcement finding someone who'd threatened her: "So this is just a warning to you Trumpers. Be careful...And for those of you who are soldiers, you know how to do it. Do it right. Be in order. Make them pay." freep.com/story/news/pol…
I've asked Rep. Johnson for comment. Also asked GOP House leaders if they are aware of any investigation into Johnson re: comments. I've asked Michigan AG and others for comment as well. freep.com/story/news/pol…