press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan

June 6, 2025 

Contact: Denzel McCampbell, (313) 400-0298, denzel@progressmichigan.org

Bombshell Report Reveals GOP Secret Money is Influencing State Politics 

MICHIGAN – In response to a Detroit News report that revealed Michigan Republican leaders funneled secret corporate cash through secretive accounts to hide disclosure from Michiganders, Progress Michigan released the following statement, attributed to Sam Inglot, executive director: 

“There’s no question that corporate interests and money continue to unduly influence Lansing and our state government. But what’s even more infuriating is that Michigan Republican leaders and their corporate lackeys intentionally worked to deceive the public and hide campaign cash through secret organizations.

“We already know the allegations against of former Republican House Speaker Lee Chatfield using secretive accounts for his lavish and abusive behavior. But as we’re learning more about what GOP Senate Leader Mike Shirkey was up to, it’s clear that these aren’t just puzzle pieces—they’re a whole picture. Again and again, we see Lansing awash in dirty money. We need to clean up this mess. Big corporate money clearly has a massive and shady influence on our state politics, and it needs to end.

“There’s a pay-to-play scheme that is right in front of our eyes when it comes to Michigan Republicans in Lansing and corporations exploiting it to get what they want as Michigan families get fleeced. Time to shine a bright light on our state government and get money out of politics.” 

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