GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon quips about kidnapping plot against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Robert Snell and Sarah Rahal
September 23, 2022

TROY, Mich. — Republican candidate for governor Tudor Dixon joked during a Friday campaign event about the 2020 kidnapping plot against Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a remark that quickly drew criticism.

Dixon's reference to the kidnapping plot came as she was targeting Whitmer's handling of schools and businesses, arguing that some large companies have shifted jobs to other states that might have come or stayed in Michigan.

"The sad thing is that Gretchen will tie your hands, put a gun to your head and ask if you're ready to talk," Dixon said during a speech in Troy. "For someone so worried about being kidnapped, Gretchen Whitmer sure is good at taking business hostage and holding it for ransom."

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"Threats of violence are no laughing matter, and the fact that Tudor Dixon thinks it’s a joke shows that she is absolutely unfit to lead Michigan," said Maeve Coyle, spokeswoman for Whitmer's reelection effort.

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Detroit News article