HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Ottawa County Republicans are planning a fundraising picnic.
The local party’s annual summer barbeque is slated for this coming Thursday (July 15, 2021), beginning at 5:30 PM. Set for the picnic pavilion at Hagar Park in Jenison, the affair will not only bring GOP partisans together, but notable Republican figures such as US House Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland), his predecessor in Congress Pete Hoekstra, state Representatives Jim Lilly (R-Park Twp.), Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) and Brad Slagh (R-Zeeland Twp.), state Senator Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville), along with four gubernatorial hopefuls, county officials and more.
However, after saying on Wednesday that retired Detroit Police Chief James Craig would be attending, the Ottawa County GOP announced on Thursday that, “Sorry, James Craig not at BBQ” No reason was given for this change.
Craig, who retired on June 1st after eight years as Detroit’s top cop and 44 years in law enforcement, is reportedly considering whether to stage a campaign for the Republican Party gubernatorial nomination next year. He is seen as a top candidate to challenge incumbent Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing). He spoke last week before Jackson County Republicans at an event, but did not say then whether he would be running for governor.
County GOP officials say that they need a count for their caterer by today (July 9, 2021) for next Thursday’s event. Prices are $10 adult and $5 for children, and those wishing to attend need to RSVP to the Ottawa county Republicans website.
I want to point out that there are at least two good possible choices running for governor as Republicans, Ryan D. Kelly and Garrett Soldano. These two gentlemen are both from SW Michigan and we should support either one or the other.