The Michigan Republican Party has moved to replace the Republican member of the Board of State Canvassers who defied the President and certified Joe Biden’s victory in the state in November.
Aaron Van Langevelde withstood immense political pressure from the President and others in the Republican Party in November, when he sided with two Democrats on the Michigan Board of State Canvassers to certify Michigan’s election results. A second Republican board member, Norm Shinkle, abstained
Casting his vote to certify the election, which is normally an overlooked procedural step, Van Langevelde quoted John Adams: “We are ‘a government of laws, not men,’” the Michigander recited.
Here’s the moment Republican Aaron Van Langevelde of Michigan’s State Board of Canvassers said he will vote to certify Michigan’s election results.pic.twitter.com/EZemjFxaSD
— The Recount (@therecount) November 23, 2020
Michigan GOP Chair Laura Cox has the authority to nominate a replacement for Van Langevelde when his board term ends on Jan. 31, and she sent three names to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: Trump loyalist Linda Lee Tarver, who filed an unsuccessful lawsuit against the Board of State Canvassers; Tony Daunt, executive director of Michigan Freedom Fund and Tori Sachs, executive director of Michigan Rising Action.
The Detroit News and New York Times reported the news. Van Langevelde told the News he wasn’t asked if he’d want to serve again on the board. A state party spokesperson told the paper that he did not request to be considered for a reappointment.
“My conscience is clear, and I am confident that my decision is on the right side of the law and history,” Van Langevelde said in a Monday statement quoted by both outlets.
“Time will tell that those who spread misinformation and tried to overturn the election were wrong, and they should be held responsible for the chaos and confusion they have caused.”
