Fox47 debate for 7th Congressional District Democrats canceled

A planned televised debate for the three Democratic candidates running for Michigan’s open 7th Congressional District seat has been canceled after the campaigns and organizers failed to reach an agreement on debate terms.

Candidate William Lawrence said Monday that a planned July 9 debate hosted by Fox47 would not move forward after fellow candidates Bridget Brink and Matt Maasdam declined to agree to the proposed rules.

“Voters deserve to hear all the candidates answer tough questions and debate the issues,” Lawrence said in a statement, adding that he was disappointed by the cancellation and would instead hold a town hall on July 9 at the Capital Area District Library, leaving “an open seat” for his opponents should they choose to attend.

According to Lawrence’s campaign, the proposed debate would have featured a moderator and media panel during a 60-minute program with opening and closing statements, audience questions and rebuttal periods.

Brink campaign manager Sam Boorstyn described the televised debate falling apart this way: “All three candidates and the debate organizers were not able to come to an agreement on terms for a debate.”

Boorstyn noted that Brink has participated in nearly 100 public events and more than 70 press interviews since launching her campaign and has appeared at multiple candidate forums across the district.

Maasdam campaign spokesperson Emma Grundhauser likewise emphasized the candidate’s participation in public events, noting that Maasdam has taken part in five public forums this year, including one streamed live by WLNS two weeks ago and plans to participate in the League of Women Voters forum later this week.

Maasdam, Brink and their supporters are running more than a combined $1 million on broadcast TV. Lawrence’s first television ad this week features his opposition to data centers.

The Democratic primary winner will advance to face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte).

Pro-Maasdam PAC Accused Of Not Disclosing AI In New Ad 

A pro-Matt Maasdam political action committee (PAC) is being accused of not disclosing its use of artificial intelligence in its latest television ad targeting one of Maasdam’s MI-7 primary opponents – Bridget Brink – in conflict with a recent state law, according to a complaint filed Monday with the Secretary of State.  

The Washington, D.C.-based Michigan Values PAC is behind the new spot that shows President Donald Trump holding a picture of Brink, who was his former pick to be ambassador to the Slovak Republic, something that clearly never happened, wrote Cheree De Golia of Lansing. 

“Disgust,” responded De Golia when asked about her first thought when she saw the ad. “I don’t like anything that is a lie. I don’t tolerate a lie. I am a registered Republican, but I’m with Bridget 100% . . . and I’m not going to let this happen.” 

The 30-second spot focuses on Trump picking Brink to be the U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic, but the ad does it by having Trump pick up a photo of Brink, which “clearly” didn’t happen, according to the complaint. 

“Bridget Brink worked for Trump. She doesn’t work for Michigan,” the ad’s narrator says. 

Under the 2024 law, anyone using AI without disclosing it in the advertisement can be fined $250 the first time and $1,000 every time after that. 

“Matt Maasdam and his out-of-state dark money allies are attacking me with AI deepfakes that mislead voters about my proven record standing up to Trump,” Brink said. 

The ad is part of $1.1 million in pro-Maasdam spending from outside groups. Maasdam’s own campaign is spending $301,655 in TV ads as absentee ballots were mailed out last week, the beginning of voting season. 

The largest chunk comes from a 501(c) (4) that financially assists Democratic military veterans running for office. VoteVets is putting $750,000 on the air in support of Maasdam, a former Navy SEAL.  

The third pro-Maasdam entity is called Project 218, is spending $50,000 on mail. 

Maasdam’s spokesperson Emma Grundauser said, “Maasdam is running for Congress to clean up our corrupt political system and get dark money out of politics.”