The arrest of a Republican congressman from Michigan could have consequences for the party ahead of the elections

LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) – Following salacious allegations that a Republican member of the Michigan legislature was arrested after police responded to reports of an armed man in Lansing early Thursday morning, some are worrying about the political fallout.

This applies both to Representative Neil Friske’s constituency in northern Michigan and to the larger battle for seats in the state’s House of Representatives that will be up for grabs in the 2024 general election.

“The question is, is it bad or worse? There is no good news for Republicans in the House,” said Adrian Hemond.

When the story of Friske’s arrest broke in the Michigan House of Representatives, many pondered the implications. With control of the chamber on the line in November, the question is whether the representative’s seat in Charlevoix and Emmet counties could be up for grabs.

That’s unlikely, as the seat is 65% Republican, but it makes the congressman’s position fragile ahead of a hotly contested primary in August.

But what is even more worrying for the state’s Republicans is the way Democrats are exploiting the issue as a weak point against the party – especially in districts where they have a chance of winning the seat, Hemond says.

“They will send a general message that Republicans in the House cannot be trusted on issues related to women and sex. Of course, they will also try to link this to the whole debate about free choice,” Hemond said.

They may even address the issue of gun violence.

According to Lansing police, officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Forest Road for a report of a man with a gun and possible shots fired. Upon arrival, they made contact with everyone involved. They then took Friske into custody for a “major felony,” police said in a statement.

Further details are expected on Friday when charging documents are released and Friske is arraigned.

Ironically, the conservative congressman sits in the seat of former Republican Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, who himself has his own problems with the law.