MILWAUKEE—Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers during a Tuesday speech to the Republican National Convention accused his Democratic opponent, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, of "getting into bed with the Communist Party of China" and of supporting energy policies that will "destroy American jobs."
Rogers, a former congressman, criticized Slotkin for reportedly signing a non-disclosure agreement involving controversial Chinese battery company Gotion, which is seeking to build a major factory in Michigan.
"It is impossible to build an EV without getting into bed with the Communist Party of China," Rogers said. "My opponent even signed an agreement to use taxpayer money to bring a Chinese battery company to Michigan."
Rogers added that he would "never put our children's future at the hands, or the matter of fact, the Michigan auto business in Michigan in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party."
China has become an issue in the Michigan Senate election, one of the most competitive races in the country. Republicans have criticized the planned Gotion battery factory, citing national security risks and concerns that EV mandates will undercut U.S. manufacturing jobs.
Rogers noted that "EVs require 40 percent less labor to build than gas cars" and that "85 percent of the critical minerals needed to build them are processed in China."
The Michigan race has tightened in recent weeks, with the Cook Political Report moving it from the "lean Democrat" category to a "toss up." The incumbent, Democratic senator Debbie Stabenow, last year announced her retirement.
Slotkin has privately voiced concerns about Biden's chances of winning the race. She told donors earlier this month that her internal polls show former president Donald Trump in the lead.
Slotkin did not appear with Biden during his recent trip to Detroit.
The Senate election could determine party control of the upper chamber next year. Slotkin is the frontrunner for the Democratic primary, which will take place Aug. 6. Rogers is the frontrunner for the Republican primary.
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