Michigan Rep. Justin Amash: Tea Party Favorite Will Not Debate Opponent
Justin Amash (R-Cascade Township), a Tea Party favorite who represents Michigan’s third district, recently said he would not debate primary opponent Brian Ellis because he “isn’t a serious or credible candidate.”
Amash used almost the same language explaining why he would not debate Democratic opponent Steve Pestka in the 2012 congressional race.
The Grand Rapids Press editorial board Sunday wrote a piece with the headline “Amash Should Get Out Of Cozy Confines.”
The article said, “Amash hasn’t participated in a debate since he first was elected in 2010, when it was crucial for him to build name recognition. Amash and his supporters repeatedly point to his town hall meetings and his explanation of each vote on Facebook.”
Ellis calls himself a “traditional” conservative, more conservative than the libertarian-leaning Amash. The race already has the gloves off.
Amash called in when Ellis was giving an interview to WOOD radio in Grand Rapids in December.
A nearly three-minute discussion happened between the two candidates about Amash’s voting record, among them the Keystone Pipeline, budget and conservatism.
Ellis has picked up some endorsements that are important to conservative voters. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce as well as the Right to Life of Michigan PAC have endorsed him.
Amash draws criticism from fellow Republicans who don’t like his many “present” votes or votes that go against the party. Ellis campaign ads claim Amash votes with President Obama more than any other Republican.
In December, a vote was taken in the US House to disinter Michael LaShawn Anderson from a national cemetery after he killed Alicia Dawn Koehl then turning the gun on himself. The vote was 398-1 with Amash the only “no” vote. He did not explain that vote on Facebook.
In December of 2012, Amash was stripped of his spot on the Republican steering committee — which doles out assignments. House Speaker John Boehner controls the Steering committee. Amash quickly voted for Raul Labrador (R-ID) for Speaker and has endorsed him yet again.
Senator John McCain (R-AZ) called Amash and Tea Party senators Ted Cruz (TX) and Rand Paul (KY) “wacko birds.”
Amash was the second-youngest member of Congress when elected in 2010, he was 30.
Polling done on June 1 by Practical Political Consulting showed Amash with a large lead 42 percent to Ellis’ 23 percent, with a full 35 percent was undecided.
The winner will take on Democrat businessman Bob Goodrich in November.
Many political insiders expect Amash to cruise to reelection, but with so many undecided voters it’s possible it could be a race and people are upset with incumbents. Ask Eric Cantor.
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