Whitmer injects funds to her own coffers while pledging support to Biden

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) is affirming her support for President Joe Biden in posts on X while pushing her own Hybrid PAC, Fight Like Hell.

Several social media posts, made on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, all implied support for the president while linking the governor’s fundraising PAC, not the Democratic National Committee or the Biden reelection effort.

The PAC describes itself as “a nationwide movement led by [Whitmer] to defend working people and protect our most fundamental rights.” It says its goal is to “focus the next two years on supporting President Biden and Vice President Harris’ re-election campaign, as well as helping Democrats flip the House and hold the Senate and ensuring our voice is heard in Washington.”

While the committee has donated $47,900 to the Biden Victory Fund PAC and $40,400 to other committees, most of its expenses are directed to Whitmer, and possibly other candidates. Its largest expense is a $138,000 payment to Cat Eye Studios, owned by political consultant and fundraiser Heather Colburn, for fundraising. Colburn says the company is partnered with Whitmer and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), who is running for Senate in Michigan.

A recent blast email from Chet Atkins, a former House member from Massachusetts-turned-lobbyist, pushed for donors to send money to Whitmer’s campaign.

“How can you not love a Governor who is affectionately called ‘Big Gretch’ by Detroit rappers, a Governor who faced down a kidnap attempt, and passed gun safety legislation in response,” Atkins wrote in the email, adding that the election is going to hinge on Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania and that “no one knows and understands these voters the way she does.”

Whitmer reportedly did not know about the email or approve it.

“Over the next several weeks, party leaders and the press will be looking to see who has the momentum and the ability to beat Trump,” he wrote. “A massive outpouring of small and large dollar donations to Gretchen Whitmer’s political committee will send a strong and clear message. It will also allow her to be ready on day one when the nomination opens up.”

The Washington Examiner reached out to Whitmer’s office but did not receive a response.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The public will not know how much Whitmer’s committee has garnered in donations until mid-July, when the next report is due. As of 3/31, the PAC has $1,781,000 in cash on hand and holds no debts. The PAC won’t have to file another financial report until July 15, when quarterly reports are due for the 4-1 to 6-30 period.

While Whitmer could be a candidate to replace Biden if he drops out, Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be the overwhelming favorite to take over. Whitmer and other Democratic governors will meet at the White House on Wednesday.