The gloves are coming off in the Michigan gubernatorial race, with blistering comments coming out of several camps this week. The political attacks call into question one candidate's handling of the Flint Water Crisis and another candidate's Muslim background.
Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette are both vying for the Republican nomination. Calley, on Wednesday, told the Associated Press Schuette's investigation into the Flint crisis was a "gross abuse of power" and suggested it was politically motivated to assist Schuette's run for governor.
The investigation has resulted in charges against 15 government officials, two of them members of the governor's cabinet.
A Schuette spokesperson declined to comment.
In what is, perhaps, a more surprising move, State Senator Patrick Colbeck, another GOP candidate, told a group of supporters he believes one of his Democratic rivals is part of a Muslim plot to take over the country and start a Jihadist civilization in America.
Those comments were targeted at Democratic candidate for governor, Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed is a doctor and was raised in the suburban Detroit area. His parents are Egyptian immigrants.
El-Sayed's released a statement rebuking Colbeck's comments as hateful and racist:
"Of course, I knew that in choosing to run for Governor as an unapologetic, proud Muslim and American, I was going to contend with the ugly face of white supremacy that Donald Trump and his friends have sanctioned. But I know that every day I serve this state and this country by holding us to our ideals and our constitution which empower and inspire me to serve every single person in our state, regardless of my ethnicity, color, or faith. I know how much this means to so many people of color who feel locked out of political representation and government decisions.
But what has inspired me most is that, having traveled to over 100 cities statewide - including places where there are few people of color at all, let alone Muslim-Americans - Michiganders are not asking how I pray, but what I pray for - and what I care about. And that is building a just, equitable Michigan where we have good jobs that pay a living wage, universal health care, clean water, and great public schools. The Michigan we're building is the one where all of our kids have a fair and equal shot at their best lives - regardless of where they live, who they love, and how they pray, or if they pray at all. I will always fight for all Michiganders and for our future."
There are just 194 days left until the November election. Parties will hold primaries August 7.
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