Vice President Harris to appear in Lansing Friday

SUNDAY, Oct. 13 — Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Lansing Friday, marking her sixth appearance in Michigan as the Democratic nominee for president, her campaign announced today.

Details of where, what time and whether it will be a rally were not immediately available in the announcement, which was embargoed until 5 a.m. today for release in City Pulse.

Harris has campaigned in Detroit, Farmington Hills and Flint, but this will be her first time in Lansing. Her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, spoke to supporters in East Lansing Sept. 13. Numerous surrogates, including Walz’ wife and U.S. Sen Bernie Sanders of Vermont, have also campaigned  in Greater Lansing.

Harris’ decision to stop in a Democratic stronghold such as Lansing is further evidence of Michigan's important role in the race between her and former president Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. Michigan has 15 electoral votes, and polls indicate the race remains tight with just over three weeks to go.

Trump and U.S. Sen. JD Vance, of Ohio, his running mate, have made numerous appearances in Michigan, though not in Lansing. Trump spoke in nearby Potterville in early September.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said Harris’ upcoming appearance in Lansing indicates her campaign isn't taking any votes for granted.

“It is very important for our presidential candidate to be in Michigan to talk about why she is the best choice,” said Schor, a Democrat. “Michigan is a purple state, and voters expect to hear from the candidates.

"As the capital city, we are an important voting block for the presidential campaign. And whether they are in Lansing or Grand Rapids or Detroit or Flint, voters do not want to be taken for granted. The Harris campaign certainly is not.”

Another indication of Michigan's vital role is the campaign's investment in offices and staff here. "The Harris-Walz campaign has 52 coordinated campaign offices and over 375 staff across the state," its announcement today said. 

Harris' five and soon six appearances in Michigan are six more than Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton made in Michigan in 2016, even after losing the party primary to Sanders. Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania put Trump over the top in the Electoral College that year.

Said one local Democrat, “Clinton ignored Lansing and Michigan — and paid the price.”