In an extraordinary move in the 2020 election cycle, Michigan senate candidate Robert M. Davis alleged that he was offered $20 million to challenge incumbent Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
Davis, a pro-small business Libertarian, made the accusation in a lengthy press release, saying that he was approached by an anonymous “part[y]” who offered to provide him with a “sizable financial contribution” in return for running against Tlaib. He further claims that the individual told him that “[t]his would be the most heavily financed Senate race in Michigan history”, and that the money would allow him to mount a well-funded challenge against Tlaib.
It is unclear who the “part[y]” is behind the offer, as Davis had no answer when asked by reporters. His criticism of Tlaib and the Democratic party could indicate a conservative group behind the offer, though this has yet to be confirmed.
The offer has shocked many in the political world. With Davis refusing to participate, many have argued that it’s indicative of the increasingly high-stakes nature of politics, even in local races such as in Michigan.
The news has also caused controversy among some of the state’s Democratic ranks. Representative Tlaib expressed her outrage at the alleged offer, characterizing it as an attempt to ‘buy’ the Senate election. She was backed up by Rep. Dan Kildee, who hasn’t endorsed Davis but nevertheless called the proposal “basically an illegal bribe”.
In the meantime, Robert Davis has continued to campaign, and is building a steady base of support in Michigain. While his request for more information on the “$20 million offer” has largely been ignored, he remains hopeful that the election will be decided on the issues and not on who’s got the most money.