Michigan GOP Sidelines Democrat For Her ‘Unacceptable’ Response To Lynching Threats

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Michigan House Republicans have taken committee assignments away from state Democratic Rep. Cynthia Johnson after she posted what they called a «threatening Facebook video. This comes several days after she received threats against her own life.





Carlos Osorio/AP



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Carlos Osorio/AP



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Johnson also posted a second video later.

In a statement, Republican leaders called Johnson’s comments «unacceptable and un-American. Republicans also said they are looking into further action as investigations are ongoing. The statement continued: «We have been consistent in our position on this – violence and intimidation is never appropriate in politics. We have said that about threats against Gov. Whitmer, Secretary Benson, Rep. Johnson herself, and others. That applies to threats made toward public officials, and it must also apply when the threats come from public officials.

Johnson could not be reached for comment regarding the loss of her committee assignments or a threat of sanctions in the coming House term.

House Democratic Leader Christine Grieg and Democratic Leader-elect Donna Lasinski also issued a joint statement: «There is no doubt that this election cycle has been rife with hyper-partisan political rhetoric, theatrics, and dangerous threats of violence toward elected and public officials and their loved ones, which continue to escalate amid the most significant public health crisis in our state and country.

But they said the action against Johnson will only increase tensions:

«The overheated language of the statement issued by Speaker Chatfield and Speaker-elect Wentworth, illustrates that the Republicans prioritize partisan politics and political theater over healing the wounds of division, preserving the well-being of the Legislature as an institution, protecting the safety of members, and acting on the needs of the people of Michigan.

The House is expected to adjourn for the year at the end of this week. Johnson will return for her second term when the Legislature’s new session begins in January.