LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Former Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson (R) is highlighting what she calls “concerns regarding the professional conduct” of her successor, attorney and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D). That’s why Johnson filed a formal complaint with the State Bar of Michigan.
In the complaint letter, dated Oct. 11, 2024, Johnson claims that Benson manipulated the law for her party’s own political gain. The complaint claims Benson argued to numerous courts that Michigan has a statutory deadline to finalize candidate lists on the state ballot. However, Johnson’s complaint alleges Benson ignored her own deadline to keep Robert F. Kennedy’s name on the ballot.
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“Manipulating state election procedures in an attempt to influence the upcoming presidential election is a serious charge,” Johnson wrote. “I am deeply concerned that Jocelyn Benson has abused her power to advance her own agenda and, in doing so, has violated Michigan laws and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct. Such conduct should not be countenanced by the Michigan State Bar.”
In addition, Johnson called Benson’s conduct “deceitful.” “In her official capacity as secretary of state, Benson’s framing of state laws for the purpose of furthering her goal is deceitful in nature,” Johnson’s complaint reads. “Benson’s decision to put a candidate back on a ballot, after his name was removed, after the ballots were certified, and after the statutory deadline lapsed, is an abuse of authority as secretary of state resulting in a manipulation of state election procedures and calling into question her political priorities.”
Johnson, who served as Secretary of State from 2011 to 2019 left office due to term limits. She now serves as a state senator, but her resume lends itself to fights concerning election integrity. “My Democratic colleagues are making it easier to cheat,” she told journalist Sara Gonzales in an interview earlier this month. Johnson referenced the numerous changes to Michigan’s election law that Republicans have referred to as “gutting.” This includes assuming the validity of voter signatures and not requiring ID to vote.
“You have to have photo ID to get a fishing license or take a book out of the library,” Johnson said, stating that ID is the foundation of every transaction.
It’s unknown when the State Bar of Michigan will respond to the complaint.
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