Shirkey: Biden, Harris Won Michigan Election

MICHIGAN — Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey on Monday said threats against the state's electors are uncalled for and admitted that Democratic President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris won Michigan's presidential election.

Shirkey, the top Republican official in Michigan, said the state’s Senate oversight committee has failed to find evidence of fraud that would change the outcome of the 2020 election.

“Michigan’s Democratic slate of electors should be able to proceed with their duty, free from threats of violence and intimidation," Shirkey said in a statement. "President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris won Michigan’s presidential election. It is our responsibility as leaders to follow the law and move forward in pursuit of policies that contribute to the betterment of Michigan."

At the same time as Shirkey's statement, Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, a Republican, said in a statement said while he was personally disappointed that the election results went the way they did, "I love our Republic, too," in response to suggestions that Republicans interfere with the Electoral College process and attempt to retroactively change how electors are chosen.

"That's unprecedented for good reason," he said. "And that's why there is not enough support in the House to cast a new slate of electors. I fear we'd lose our country forever. This truly would bring mutually assured destruction for every future election in regards to the Electoral College. And I can't stand for that."

Questions surrounding potential protests, GOP interference and even violence have surrounded Monday's state Electoral College vote for president in Lansing.

Earlier Monday, Chatfield lashed out at Republican Rep. Gary Eisen, R-St. Clair Twp., who in a radio interview said he couldn't promise Monday would be safe.

"We as elected officials must be clear that violence has no place in our democratic process," Chatfield said. "We must be held to a higher standard."

Michigan government buildings all closed Monday due to "credible threats" made ahead of the state's scheduled Electoral College vote for president, according to multiple state legislators.

The Michigan Capitol also is closed to the public, officials said. The state's 16 electors are still scheduled to meet for an in-person vote at 2 p.m. You can watch the meeting live here.