‘I’m not going anywhere:’ Michigan Gov. Whitmer says about possible Vice Presidential pick

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as a Presidential candidate the day after President Joe Biden bowed out of the race.

Following an event at the state capitol in Lansing Monday morning, 6 News asked Whitmer if she was prepared to take the Vice Presidency if it was offered. “No, I’m not going anywhere,” Whitmer told 6 News.

Whitmer had declined through her communications team to be available following the the announcement the United States Navy was naming a new ship after the city of Lansing. Capital media — including 6 News Capital Correspondent Tim Skubick — attempted to follow Whitmer into the Michigan Capitol following the announcement, but were blocked by a Michigan State Police Trooper.

As the media found Whitmer’s motorcade preparing to leave for an event in Warren, Mich., her team issued a statement supporting Harris for President.

In a written statement the governor endorsed Harris as the Democratic candidate for President. “Today, I am fired up to endorse Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” Whitmer said in the emailed statement. “In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a presidential candidate they can count on to focus on lowering their costs, restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back home from overseas, and building an economy that works for working people. She’s a former prosecutor, a champion for reproductive freedom, and I know that she’s got Michigan’s back.

“That’s in stark contrast to Donald Trump, a convicted felon who stokes violence, overturned Roe, attacked our auto industry which hardworking families depend on, left office after losing 100,000 manufacturing jobs, and drove our economy into the ground last time he was in the White House.

“Vice President Harris has my full support.

“So Michigan, let’s get to work. We cannot let Donald Trump anywhere near the White House. Let’s go!”

Following the release of this statement, 6 News and a few other Capital news outlets were able to corral Whitmer for her comment.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. Michigan’s Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II issued his own statement in support of Vice President Kamala Harris topping the ticket as the Democratic nominee for President this year.

“Joe Biden is a singular leader in American history who has done something few other people would even consider: he chose to make space for someone else to lead. We can all learn from his example.

“His legacy will be felt for generations in Michigan and across America because of how he navigated us through the pandemic; shepherded an economic recovery that has put millions on pathways to success and opportunity; and protected our fundamental rights. He has also personally supported my growth as a public servant.

“I am proud to Stand TALL for Vice President Kamala Harris to be our Democratic nominee and next President of the United States. The energy and urgency she will bring to this race and her presidency are what we need to move forward. She knows that every American has the right to access a dream of health and wealth, and I will do everything in my power to help her win.”

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