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Bergman, LaFave Push Back in U.P. GOP Rift, Highlighting Prestin’s 1994 Domestic Battery Plea

Local Republicans withdrew support over a claimed broken pledge to stay out of the race.

Overview

  • After endorsing Beau LaFave for Michigan’s 38th Senate District, Rep. Jack Bergman lost backing from Sen. Ed McBroom and Reps. Greg Markkanen and Karl Bohnak.
  • McBroom accused Bergman of breaking a promise not to intervene in the primary, and the lawmakers criticized him as disconnected from the Upper Peninsula.
  • Bergman defended his endorsement as a matter of principle and urged voters to support LaFave, posting the statement on his campaign social media page.
  • LaFave and Bergman underscored reporting that rival Dave Prestin pleaded guilty to a domestic battery charge in 1994, while Prestin has acknowledged and expressed regret for the incident.
  • McBroom alleged LaFave hired Bergman’s chief of staff, Tony Lis, as a consultant, a claim presented as an accusation in coverage, and the Republican primary is set for Aug. 4 in a GOP-leaning district.