LANSING — Before we head out for the long patriotic weekend, here’s an update from MDP on the “slow to jell” Republican primary for governor:

Candidate-in-waiting James Craig will be taking a break from his “endless softball gauntlet” on Fox News to give the first speech of his soon-to-be campaign this coming Tuesday before the Republican Party of Jackson County. Will this end Craig’s months-long dodge on addressing key issues like where he stands on the Big Lie? We’re not convinced he’s ready to take these purity tests seriously.

As for Craig’s potential opponents, they are more than happy to answer questions — a whole debate’s worth of them, in fact. Last weekend, insurrectionist Ryan Kelley challenged pseudoscientist Garrett Soldano to a no-holds barred debate to highlight “the difference[s] between what you stand for and what I stand for.” We’ll bring the popcorn.

Meanwhile, sentient YouTube comment Tudor Dixon is staffing up with “a handful of current and former Trump advisers.” Time will tell if it’ll be enough to stand out as the Trumpiest among a crowded primary of conservative extremists and Big Lie foot soldiers.

There’s always more room in the clown car though, as evidenced by former Michigan Attorney General and 2009 gubernatorial also-ran Mike Cox who has reportedly been taking meetings with the RGA and folks in Trump’s orbit.

Last and also least, two-time statewide loser and nickel thief John James was back on the stump…in the wrong state. Earlier this week he appeared at the kickoff for U.S. Senator Tim Scott’s re-election campaign in Columbia, South Carolina. It’s the closest James can ever hope to get to that office.

Have a great July 4th from all of us at MDP!

The post Weekly Roundup: James Craig’s First Stump, the Extremist Battle Royale, and Tudor Dixon’s Trump Alums appeared first on Michigan Democratic Party.