Several candidates hoping to represent residents living in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan will meet the Copper country during a forum this week. Keweenaw Indivisible has organized several non-partisan events to invite potential representatives, who will represent the region’s communities, in Lansing and Washington D.C. leading up to political primary season. On Wednesday the group will invites democratic candidates Kyle Blomquist, and Wayne Stiles, to join, independent Zebulon Featherly, republican candidate Justin Michal and the Working-Class party’s Elizabeth Hakola, to answer questions from residents about key issues that may determine ballots.
Notably two names do not appear on the guest list, democrat Callie Barr and incumbent Republican representative Jack Bergman. Keweenaw Indivisible did extend invitations to both individuals.
Barr shared with My UP News that she is only interested in debating Representative Bergman. Further stating “Bergman is a disaster for this district. We plan to host town halls in the late spring and throughout the summer to hear from voters. Unlike Bergman, who is rarely in the district and owns a home in Louisiana, we will be here.”
Representative Bergman’s Office reiterated a statement made to The Sault Times last year. When he shared, he will not attend any events organized by groups funded by George Soros. His office further shared the representative will continue to travel throughout the district. Over the weekend the representative wrapped up a visit in Alpena at the Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union’s annual member meeting, after stopping in the Upper Peninsula during the UP 200, 1-500, and Pine Mountain Ski Jump during February.
Keweenaw Indivisible’s Meet the Candidates forum begins at 7 pm on Wednesday at the Hancock Community Hub. Thoe interested in learning more can find details for the event online.
