Ex-Michigan GOP Chairwoman Escorted Out Of Party Convention By Police
FLINT – Frantic Activity at the State GOP’s Convention
Former Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Kristina Karamo was reportedly escorted out of the Michigan GOP’s state convention on Saturday amidst loud altercations. Dramatically, this did not bring an end to the turmoil within the Dort Financial Center convention hall in Flint, as another unidentified individual was later taken out bound and under police escort after allegedly causing a ruckus amongst the crowd.
Karamo’s Case – An Attempt to Support a Candidate
Karamo, known for her vocal support within state GOP affairs, showed up on the convention floor around 11 a.m. However, the GOP party claimed she was not a registered delegate from her home county of Oakland, setting the stage for an altercation. Despite attempts by security officials to bring the situation under control, two uniformed police officers eventually escorted a defiant Karamo off the convention floor. The situation escalated with skirmishes between a security guard and one of Karamo’s affiliates before police intervened.
“I’m here to support a candidate,” protested Karamo, amidst the commotion, adding, “(Michigan GOP Chairman) Pete Hoekstra and his thugs are trying to have me thrown out of the convention.” Undeterred, she continued, “All I did was walk in to try to support a candidate. And now, they want me thrown out.”
Karamo was there to lend her support to Alexandria Taylor, who was vying for a Republican nomination for the Michigan Supreme Court at the Saturday convention.
GOP’s Stand
Tyson Shepard, the executive director of the Michigan GOP, clarified in a statement that Karamo was not a registered delegate for the convention and had been offered a guest credential. However, upon her refusal, the party had no choice but to involve law enforcement. This tumultuous episode sparked an increase in police presence to maintain order and ensure a smooth convention.
Rising Tensions Resulting in Another Removal
The tension didn’t abate with Karamo’s eviction from the convention hall. Another convention-goer was escorted out by the Flint police. The individual reportedly lambasted Hoekstra, calling him a “fake chair.”
The Backstory to the Confrontation
Karamo, who has always found resonance with the party’s grassroots wing, formerly held the position of secretary of state candidate and Party’s chairwoman until she was removed from her position due to controversies around her leadership style and her struggles to fundraise for the party. This led to a change in the leadership, with Pete Hoekstra, a former member of the U.S. House, becoming the recognized chairman for the GOP in Michigan. Despite the divisions amongst the delegates, Hoekstra upheld the unity of the Republicans behind GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers.
Despite the increasing divisions within the party, Alexandria Taylor, vying for a Republican nomination to the Michigan Supreme Court, lamented the ouster of her supporter, Karamo. “We are not in middle school,” Taylor said. “You don’t have to like who I like. I don’t have to like who you like. But we can still be on the same team.”
