Grand Rapids Reporter

Controversial Michigan Republican Party Chair, Laura Cox, has launched a last-ditch attack on her opponent, Ron Weiser, ahead of Saturday’s vote for a new party chair.

An email was sent by Cox to delegates that include accusations against Weiser on Thursday. She publicly withdrew from the race a month ago.

“I am deeply saddened by Laura Cox’s baseless allegations against Ron Weiser who is a kind, honest man, Keith Den Hollander, the vice chair of the Ottawa County GOP said. “Ron has dedicated so much of his time and resources in support of this party. I think Cox should immediately retract her statement, issue an apology to Weiser, and resign.”

The email is seen as a desperate attempt to hold onto her position. 

"I wouldn’t be able to walk into that building as a member of her staff after this ridiculous email,” a delegate who asked to speak on the condition of anonymity, said.

Cox’s email alleges that Weiser, who previously served as chair in 2018, made a secret deal with then-secretary of state candidate Stan Grot to get out of the race.

The issue has already been looked over by former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young and other legal experts who determined no violations occurred.

Grot responded to the allegations, saying he didn’t think Cox would’ve hired him if she felt that way about him.

“I find it highly ironic that Laura Cox put me in charge of the party finances and appointed me chairman of the Republican Party budget committee if she truly thought I shouldn’t have been hired,” Grot said. “Laura Cox is desperate to hold on to her job and full of sour grapes. Shame on her. Shame.”

The Michigan GOP will meet Saturday to vote between Weiser and Cox for the position of chair.