Biden adviser: Mich. lawmakers can’t intervene in election

DETROIT — Bob Bauer, a legal adviser for President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign, said Friday it’s “not possible” for the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature to redirect the state’s electoral votes to President Donald Trump.

During a briefing for Biden’s campaign, Bauer blasted the Republican president for holding a meeting with the Republican leaders of the Michigan House and Senate on Friday afternoon as the state prepares to certify its election results as early as Monday.

“It’s an abuse of office,” Bauer told reporters. “It’s an open attempt to intimidate election officials. It’s absolutely appalling.”

Bauer served as White House counsel under former President Barack Obama. The former vice president won Michigan by 154,000 votes, or 51% to 48%, or on Nov. 3, according to results that have been certified by all 83 counties.

Trump’s campaign is claiming that there are enough “illegitimate ballots” in the state to swing the results, but the campaign hasn’t provided evidence that would suggest the type of widespread fraud it’s alleging. And a Wayne County judge has labeled the campaign’s claims “not credible.”

The Board of State Canvassers, which features two Republicans and two Democrats, is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss the certified county results and possibly vote on certifying the statewide election results, a key procedural step.

Amid all of the developments, House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering; Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, RClarklake; and other Michigan lawmakers are expected to meet Friday afternoon with Trump in Washington, D.C.

Asked if the president would ask the Michigan Republican leaders to appoint pro-Trump electors, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Friday it is “not an advocacy meeting.”

“There will be no one from the campaign there. He routinely meets with lawmakers from all across the country,” McEnany said at a briefing.