Michigan Senate Race: Security Fears and Foreign Cash Claims

A former intelligence chief says his rival could never pass a background check. Mike Rogers points to a long paper trail. He argues the opponent's own words disqualify him from handling state secrets. The Senate hopeful wants a spot on the Foreign Relations Committee. Rogers says that is a dangerous idea.

Back in 2012, the Democrat signed a letter backing Egypt's new leader. That leader came from the Muslim Brotherhood. The letter asked the new government to purge police and journalists. Rogers calls that more than a casual mistake. The Muslim Brotherhood later cheered the candidate's primary win. They only celebrated one race nationwide.

Money trails raise more questions. Six other signers of that 2012 letter gave over twenty-five thousand dollars combined. Rogers alleges some donors back Hamas and Hezbollah. A group tied to the candidate's father-in-law sent four hundred thousand dollars. That group openly supports the Muslim Brotherhood.

On terrorism, the record gets worse. The candidate would not condemn a Hezbollah-linked plot against a Michigan synagogue. The target was a school event with one hundred thirty kids. He also refuses to call out Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Rogers says he treats Iran and Israel as equals.

Even the medical title draws scrutiny. The opponent went to Columbia Medical School on a Soros family scholarship. Rogers questions how that shapes his worldview. The race is pulling in voters who usually back Democrats. They say the issues cross party lines.