Question 1): One of the most fascinating questions of the looming fall campaign for Michigan Attorney General will be whether putative Democratic nominee Eli Savit, currently the Washtenaw Co. Prosecuting Attorney, can successfully distance himself from his own record as a public official.
Savit has taken heavy flak from Republicans, independent voters, and even from some Democrats for his progressive policies, including ending cash bail and stopping the enforcement of certain crimes like drug use and prostitution, in a jurisdiction that includes Ann Arbor.
But now it sounds like he’s pivoting away from his record as a prosecutor in one of the state’s most heavily Democratic counties. He recently told Bridge Michigan that his policies as a local prosecutor “aren’t big parts of my platform as attorney general.”
Can he pull this off in his match-up with a more moderate, traditional, and longer-serving Republican nominee, Doug Lloyd, who is the Eaton Co. Prosecuting Attorney? The Michigan GOP will try to make sure Michigan voters remember that a leopard can’t change its spots. “Don’t believe for a second that Eli Savit has had a sudden change of heart when it comes to his far-left policies,” said Gabe Butzke, a spokesperson for the Republican-affiliated Michigan Forward Network. “This is what Democrats do: they campaign like moderates but plan to govern like Marxists.”
But why did Michigan Democrats seemingly make it hard on themselves by endorsing Savit at their April 19 state convention when they could have chosen the pre-convention favorite, Oakland Co. prosecutor Karen McDonald, who seemed the ideal sort of moderate (and female) candidate to run against the Republicans? But will it really matter if 2026 does turn out to be a “blue wave” year as it’s shaping up to be? Maybe the Democrats could have nominated a serial killer and it wouldn’t make any difference — they would still win.
And is a Democratic endorsement convention a totally different animal from so-called “regular” Democrats who would be more likely to vote in a primary if nominees were determined that way (of course, they aren’t).
Answer 1): Beginning in 2018, it’s been a totally new ballgame for the Michigan Democratic Party. The United Auto Workers (UAW) and other labor interest groups that dominated Democratic conventions prior to 2018 have been supplanted. These traditional groups still hold some sway in non-“open seat” years like 2022 when incumbent Democrats like Gretchen Whitmer, Jocelyn Benson, and Dana Nessel were running for re-election, but not this year. Non-traditional insurgents even denied re-nomination to a sitting Democratic U-M regent.
The best answer to what has happened comes from one Manuela Garza, a frequent commenter on The Ballenger Report website. Months ago, here’s what she wrote:
“Unlike the MI GOP, the MDP allows anyone who is a member of the state party to show up at a convention and cast a ballot for their candidate. Most persons who cast ballots at recent MDP conventions are NOT precinct delegates as they are at MI GOP conventions. Any member of the Michigan Democratic Party can show up and vote. In fact, at the (April 19) convention, many voted remotely. The position of precinct delegate has become essentially meaningless among state Democrats. This permitted “underdog” candidates – such as Dana Nessel in 2018 and Eli Savit in 2026 — to score impressive upsets over well-financed insider candidates.
“Progressive Democrats in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Ferndale meticulously networked with the numerous constituent caucuses within the state party organization to register left-wingers as party members –- it used to be $5.00 to receive your membership and get issued a card with a bucking donkey on it from the MDP – and voila! – transport them to the state convention and vote.
“That is how and why 7,000 Dems voted at the last state convention and selected Eli Savit and other underdog candidates as nominees. By contrast, only about 2,000 delegates vote at the MI GOP convention.
“The result is that Arab-Americans, college students, and the LGBT community largely control the convention nomination process in the MDP – and mainstream pro-Israel labor-backed candidates such as Haley Stevens are scorned.
“Observers … who erroneously predicted Karen McDonald as a “shoo-in” as a Democratic nominee can be excused if they are not aware of this process and the effect for Democrats as a whole in the state.
“Democratic insiders in Michigan are outraged by what the candidate selection process has become – and progressive Dems absolutely love it.”
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Question 2): As we’ve heard many times before, the wheels of justice grind slowly — and sometimes the accused emerge virtually unscathed.
Eventually, MCFR contributed $1.8 million to Unlock Michigan, whose petition drive led to the repeal of the gubernatorial emergency powers act invoked during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last week, Attorney General Dana Nessel brought to a close efforts to hold one of the ringleaders accountable in what LaBrant contends was the worst dark money scandal in the 49-year history of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA).
Nessel tabbed her Assistant Attorney General Chris Steele to negotiate a plea deal with Heather Lombardini, president of MCFR, who was charged with two felonies — for fraud, and for uttering and publishing.
After receiving an investigative subpoena in 2022, which produced a treasure trove of emails and bank records, Nessel blinked, says LaBrant. She did not charge Lombardini and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and scores of corporations who each laundered tens and even thousands of dollars through MCFR to finance Unlock Michigan’s petition drive with the charge of criminal conspiracy, a five-year felony.
This laundering scheme permitted those corporations to say ‘yes’ to Shirkey’s solicitation, but at the same time gave them plausible deniability if the Governor inquired about any support by them of Unlock Michigan.
Nessel limited criminal charges in 2023 to two underlings — fund raisers Heather Lombardini and Sandy Baxter.
Sandy Baxter was charged with a 15-year felony of perjury for lying to an AG investigator.
Weeks ago, Baxter reached a plea deal. She pleaded guilty to the lesser misdemeanor of filing a false or misleading statement to a police officer. Baxter’s sentence was no jail time, but a $2,500 fine, three months of reportable probation, and 20 hours of community service.
So then what happened?
Answer 2): ): After delays and a failed appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals, Lombardini’s jury trial on the two felony charges was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 8 at 8:30 a.m. And then it wasn’t.
Nessel’s assistant attorney general Steele negotiated a plea agreement that LaBrant likens to an Aesop fable of an elephant in stressful labor struggling to give birth to a mouse.
Here’s how LaBrant feels about how his complaint was handled:
“The felony charges of fraud and uttering and publishing were dropped. Lombardini pled guilty to the misdemeanor of using a computer to commit a crime. Sentencing was immediate. No jail time. No probation. No community service. Lombardini’s fine was…wait for this…$125.
“This wasn’t Dana Nessel’s finest hour. I feel sorry for Sandy Baxter.
“How many tax dollars were expended over the course of this legal saga? How many billable attorney hours did Lombardini run up to escape with a $125 fine?
“This slap on the wrist ‘punishment’ won’t deter massive campaign finance violations; it will only encourage political players now that they know they can launder millions of dollars with no liability for the ringleaders and pennies-on-the-dollar fines for the underlings.”
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Excellent article.
One race you did NOT mention that has Michigan Republicans apprehensive is Tom Barrett’s Seventh Michigan U.S. Congressional District seat
William Lawrence is a left-wing pro-Palestine activist and one of three Democratic primary candidates in the district and is squaring off against two moderate Democrats who may split the traditional Democratic Party vote and give Lawrence a good shot at winning the primary.
The faltering Iran war and high gasoline prices may result in incumbent GOP officeholders such as Barrett to be vulnerable to even progressive activists such as Lawrence.
It is entirely possible that in the November general election the Democrats may sweep all statewide Michigan offices and the pivotal Seventh United States Congressional District will be held by a Progressive Democrat. In fact, progressive Democrats may hold an unprecedented number of public offices in Michigan – including the U.S. Senate.
Mainstream Democrats and MIGOP may be the losers in August and November in Michigan elections.
The GOP will be lucky if Doug Lloyd or Mike Rogers can win his respective election.
As to the Unlock Michigan saga, Heather Lombardini has not been harmed – in fact, her consulting firm has had an increase in lucrative work from Michigan elected officials since charges were filed years ago. Another embarrassing failure for the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Nice article, Bill, and informative.
Thank you Ms Garza! Given that information, precinct delegates seem almost superfluous. It also explains some of the nominees to the various state offices that have come out from the Democrats. Wonder is anyone brought this up to former Governor Blanchard when he was railing against the MSU Board of Trustees and the quality of the other boards. Or if he would actually answer that question.
QUESTION 1: Mr. Savit’s de facto legalization of drug use and prostitution in Washtenaw County is a problem for someone who wants to be the Attorney General of Michigan. He can defend the cash bail issue using libertarian arguments (not having to buy your liberty), but I’m pretty sure that will depend on who is required to post bail and whether there has been repeat criminal activity by those who have not paid cash bail. I am not sure how well staffed the Ann Arbor News is (or MLive as the case may be) or whether they have covered this issue. It might be something we see from Bridge, TBR or Charlie LeDuff. Film at 11?
Another thing with Mr. Savit is his driving habits, negotiating a new salary package with the County Commission, getting a county car and credit card that he apparently used for campaigning, a point you made in the June 14, 2026 TBR where you write Mr. LaBrant filed a complaint the preceding month about this. I assume that neither Benson or Nessel have done anything – or at least anything that I have heard about – on this issue. And with Benson not enforcing the law, will anyone other than the GOP nominee for Governor say anything about it? More film at 11, I guess.
As for Mr. Eaton’s chances, will the donor class donate? Those more familiar with the workings of the Michigan GOP are better placed to answer that than I am. If they do, he has a chance. If they don’t, then they best not complain about anything Mr. Savit does. Their silence gives their assent, and lets the GOP rank and file know that the donor class still looks at them as serfs.
QUESTION 2: Dana Nessel strikes again! Given her track record, is anyone surprised? I do not know Christopher Steele, so I have no idea if he is her go-to person for plea deals; a top-notch litigator told to settle a case against his will; or a staffer assigned a task that is outside of his area of competence so he settled it as quickly as he could. Mr. LaBrant is right, Ms Baxter got screwed; or Ms Lombardini had a better lawyer – or less competent prosecutor. How much was spent would be good info to get, as well as how much MSU and U of M have spent on their recent fun and games. Practically speaking, the MFCA is dead. Neither party wants to seriously go after these people because it could happen to their side as well.
Who is Mr. Eaton? A nom de guerre for Doug Lloyd – who hails from Eaton County?
There is a national Republican organization that shall pump $11 million into state AG races this fall.
Lloyd and Savit are polar opposites of each other politically.
My bad. I know a Doug Eaton and had a brain fart. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.
Your research indicates my response to Dennis Lennox’s request for a declaratory ruling came true not for the MIGOP as I feared, but for the MIDEMS. Third parties gamed their convention system to get the candidate they wanted. I asked SOS that at least third party payments not limited to fees, transportation, lodging, and food be disclosed by delegates. But SOS fell back on the argument these are social clubs, these are not elections under campaign finance, and the delegates are not really officials; therefore no legal obligations. If the legislature does not act, I predict it will only get much worse and stranger. Many now someone will reconsider a simplified “res ipsa loquitur” argument.
Precinct delegates are exempt from MCFA reporting requirements.
As a result, clever political consultants have run major campaign operations through finance accounts created for the ostensible purpose of precinct delegate activity.
I understood the campaign exemption, each can spend his own funds to a level of his choosing. But I was shocked they do not consider even a basic ethics standard. These are gifts or payments to people with a sworn duty, who should be impacting the public good. At the obscene end, I wonder if I could get away with handing out $100 dollar bills in the voting line. Thanks Mark for the comment.
They could have been hands off and simply required the parties to update their ethics standards in their respective bylaws, but my laymen’s reading of the opinion is a free for all.
All of Bob LaBrant’s great work and due diligence of behalf of Michigan Citizens has resulted in a slap on the wrist by Dana Nessel and her team which will only will only encourage , not discourage political players now that they know they can launder millions of dollars of dark money with no liability . Shirkley and Lombardini should face trial and judgement commensurate with their illegal actions.
We do not know why the plea agreement was approved by the Michigan Attorney General. It is possible there was a legal deficiency that weakened the prosecution case and the plea deal may have saved the State of Michigan a lawsuit by Ms. Lomabardini.
In hindsight, such a plea deal in the failed “fake electors” would have been a good thing for the State of Michigan. Now an avalanche of civil suits is beginning to wind through the court system against the state.
Speaking of campaign finance criminality in Michigan, from the irrepressible Charlie LeDuff, yesterday, in the ‘Michigan Enjoyer’:
‘Is El-Sayed’s Campaign Funded by Elderly Fake Donors?’
ActBlue says an 88-year-old widow has given over $150k to Dems over the past five years, but she says that’s not possible
By Charlie LeDuff · July 22, 2026
“Elizabeth Waffle, 88, was forced to move into a shabby trailer two years ago after her house burned down. She owns an old pickup truck but no computer.
Nevertheless, Waffle, who lives on a modest pension, is a true believer in liberal causes and continues to make small political donations by way of ActBlue—the Democrat online fundraising platform.
Elderly woman in red shirt sitting in doorway of RV, shielding eyes with hand as she speaks to reporter
But somehow, those few dozen small donations she has made over the past five years have transmogrified into 14,696 donations totaling more than $150,000—the equivalent of eight donations a day, every day for the past five years, averaging $9.18.
“One hundred and fifty thousand?” Waffle said with real surprise. “Hell no. I don’t have that kind of money.”
She says she has contributed to Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Socialist running for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat, but not 47 times spanning the last two years, as federal filings show…..”
Lombardini is small potatoes in the Michigan world of campaign finance corruption. But she is a Republican so she get special attention from the media and fake campaign finance activists. The criminals in the Democratic Party, not so much. This is not a tu quoque argument, rather it is an attempt to establish genuine campaign finance law enforcement priorities in a thoroughly corrupt state.
I just saw Mike and Kristy Rogers at a GOP event this morning in White Lake Township.
He was confident Michigan voters would reject the positions of both Dem opponents and outlined his plans to have his supporters knock on hundreds of thousands of doors in Michigan.
He emphasized his family’s record of military service and felt offended by El-Sayed’s criticisms of America.
Fox 2 News’ Charlie Langton did a three minute interview with Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald on Tuesday afternoon. The three Fox generated bullet points from the interview were:
“The Oakland County Prosecutor said the state Democratic Party has “never been” so divided.
Karen McDonald sounded off the state organization and said it had turned more extreme, which had driven more hate and bullying.
McDonald also declined to publicly support Eli Savit for Michigan Attorney General, who won the nomination following a contentious convention.”
She also expressed disdain for politicians who spurn donations from specific groups, a clear reference to the AIPAC dispute roiling the Democratic Party.
‘Karen McDonald sounds off state Democratic Party, needs clearer understanding of where party is heading’
By Charlie Langton and Jack Nissen
Detroit Talk City
July 21, 2026
Her twin sister, U.S. House Rep. Kirsten McDonald Rivet, has accepted $372,536 from pro-Israel PACs, including JStreet and Democratic Majority for Israel.
The Democratic Majority for Israel’s executive director, Kathy Manning, publicly criticized the behavior of attendees at the April 19th, 2026 Michigan Democratic Party convention, alluding to anti-Semitism.
Karen McDonald’s non-endorsement of Eli Savit will likely cost him votes in Oakland County, home to many moderate Democrats.
Anti-Semitism? Eli Savit is Jewish. He won by a 58%-42% margin over Karen McDonald – who is Roman Catholic. The fact that McDonald’s sister chooses to accept campaign assistance from AIPAC-linked entities may have hurt Karen’s electoral chances at the convention.
Savit had the solid backing of members of Arab-American and Muslim communities at the convention. The majority of the representatives of the Bangladeshi-American caucus, Arab-American Democrats, and Pakistani-American and Yemeni-American Democratic caucuses at the April 19th convention gave enthusiastic support to Eli Savit.
I find it disappointing that Karen McDonald would basically assist presuptive GOP nominee Doug Lloyd by refusing to endorse the candidacy of Eli Savit for Attorney General.
Karen McDonald has done a great service to the GOP by trying to overturn her convention loss – and failing to endorse Eli Savit in the upcoming general election against Doug Lloyd.
The Doug Lloyd campaign is likely very pleased with McDonald’s behavior in these regards.
Eli Savit supporters are hoping a wave of “yellow dog Democrats” will save him from defeat in November.
Oakland County is a swing county and Democrats MUST do well there in order to achieve electoral success in November.
The Michigan Democratic Party convention is going to be held at the Lansing Center on August 29th, 2026.
It is expected to be a raucous affair. There are deep divisions within the party itself.
The Jewish Telegraphic Agency has reported that a significant number of Jewish-American Michigan Democrats are already begin to donate funds to the Mike Rogers U.S. Senate campaign as a hedge against Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, anticipating the real possibility he may be the winner in the August 4th primary election over Haley Stevens.
There are Democrats that believe that Haley Stevens may not even appear at the Lansing Dem convention if she beats El-Sayed to get the nomination. There is nothing on the current agenda that permits the August primary victor to address the convention. It is believed that convention organizers feel having Stevens speak as she did in April would be inflammatory and insensitive given the reception she received in April.
The Data For Progress polling organization – which predicted the Melat Kiros upset over 15-term incumbent U.S. House Rep. Diane DeGette several weeks ago – has on July 16th provided the following polling results of likely Democrat primary election voters:
Abdul El-Sayed: 54%
Haley Stevens: 41%
Undecided:4%
These results fly in face of the Detroit News/Glengariff recent polling results that show Stevens with a 7% point lead.