OUT OF THE WOODWORK

Elissa Slotkin

Republicans willing to take on 8th District Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin have been hard to find, at least until recently. Just before the start of October, Michigan State Board of Education member Nikki Snyder (R-Dexter) announced she would be running for the Republican nomination in hopes of facing off with Democrat Slotkin in 2020. Days later, Snyder was joined by Republican "patriot" Mike Detmer of Howell, who opted to suspend his race for the state house and instead run for the congressional seat. Snyder, 35, is a registered nurse and lactation specialist serving her first term on the State Board of Education. She is no relation to former governor and lifetime nerd Rick Snyder. Detmer, 43, is a licensed real estate agent and a general sales manager for a Michigan auto dealership. Both Detmer and Snyder said the current impeachment investigation didn't factor into their decisions to run, albeit neither said they support the investigation or believe Trump committed any impeachable offenses. Detmer said he is focusing on gun rights, pro-life issues, cutting taxes and spending, and supporting veterans, with campaign literature mimicking the president's with the saying "Make Michigan Great." Lansing lawyer Kristina Lyke told a GOP event in Livingston County on October 3 that she also plans to throw her hat in the ring.