A Democratic Senate primary in Michigan is gaining attention as supporters of Rep. Haley Stevens use former President Barack Obama’s praise in their ads. Despite not receiving an official endorsement from Obama, Stevens’ campaign has spent $5 million airing an advertisement featuring Obama’s comments about her work as chief of staff for the US Auto Rescue Task Force during the 2008 financial crisis.

Obama’s Legacy in Michigan

Obama’s legacy in Michigan is still widely respected, particularly among Black voters who made up around a quarter of Democrats in the 2022 midterms. Stevens’ campaign is using this to their advantage, highlighting her role in the auto rescue and her connection to the former president.

However, opponents argue that the ads could mislead voters into thinking Obama has officially endorsed Stevens. Denzel McCampbell, a Detroit City Council member backing Abdul El-Sayed, expressed concerns that the ads might confuse voters who are tuning in to the race for the first time.

Outside Groups and Funding

Outside groups backing Stevens have spent over $50 million in the contest, while El-Sayed has seen less than $1 million in outside advertising support. The source of some of the ads, funded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has become a flashpoint in the Democratic Party’s internal debates.

Stevens’ role as chief of staff on the US Auto Rescue Task Force is a key part of her campaign, with ads featuring Obama’s praise for her work. However, the influential United Auto Workers union has endorsed El-Sayed, citing his commitment to a strong working-class agenda.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.