Politics & Government

Capitol Connection

From our State Capitol in Lansing to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, WKAR is committed to explaining how the actions of lawmakers are affecting Michiganders. Political and government reporter Abigail Censky leads this section. There are also stories from Capitol correspondents Cheyna Roth, Rick Pluta and the Associated Press. As the 2020 presidential race begins, look here for reports on the role Michigan will play in electing or re-electing the president.

Wealthy DeVos Family Won't Back Michigan's Amash In Primary

WKAR Public Media | By Associated Press

Published May 22, 2019 at 5:49 PM EDT

Members of the politically powerful DeVos family are no longer financially backing a Michigan congressman who is the first Republican on Capitol Hill to call for impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.

Nick Wasmiller, spokesman for the DeVos family's RDV Corp., said Wednesday family members haven't made campaign contributions five-term Rep. Justin Amash this political cycle and have no plans to do so.

He says the decision is unrelated to Amash's recent statements about Trump and special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the election.

Wasmiller says family members have increasing concerns about a "lack of representation" for Michigan's 3rd Congressional District and an "inability to advance efforts connected to important policy matters."

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos halted all her political spending while in Trump's Cabinet.