Liz Cheney Endorsement of Elissa Slotkin Could Backfire, 'Energize' GOP

Democratic Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin was endorsed Thursday by Republican Liz Cheney, though it remains unclear whether it will help or hurt Slotkin's chances in what is already a close race in a redrawn district.

Cheney and Slotkin serve together on the House Armed Services Committee and both have backgrounds in national security: Cheney previously served in the State Department while Slotkin worked in the CIA post-9/11 in various defense and intelligence positions under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Spokespeople for Slotkin and Cheney confirmed the Associated Press' initial reports of the endorsement to Newsweek. Cheney is expected to campaign on Slotkin's behalf on Tuesday in Lansing.

"I'm proud to endorse Elissa Slotkin," said Cheney, who in August was voted out of Congress, in a statement. "Serving together on the Armed Services Committee, I have come to know Elissa as a good and honorable public servant who works hard for the people she represents, wants what's best for the country, and is in this for the right reasons.

"While Elissa and I have our policy disagreements, at a time when our nation is facing threats at home and abroad, we need serious, responsible, substantive members like Elissa in Congress. I encourage all voters in the 7th District—Republicans, Democrats and independents—to support her in this election."

Cheney is also the former chair of the House Republican Conference and currently serves as vice chair of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. On October 13, she and other committee members voted to issue a subpoena to former President Donald Trump over his actions before, during and after the attack.

In her own statement, Slotkin called Cheney's voice "critical" as democracy continues to be challenged. Both believe in a country-above-party mentality, she added.

"I'm grateful for her support in this race and I'm proud of the work we've done together to strengthen our national security and America's role in the world," Slotkin said. "We all know that our country is going through a difficult moment right now. But throughout our history, two things have helped us weather times like these: engaged citizens and principled leaders, from both sides of the aisle."

Slotkin is squaring off against Republican Tom Barrett in Michigan's 7th District, which includes Ingham, Livingston and parts of Oakland counties. President Joe Biden won this new district with 50.49 percent of the vote in 2020, compared to 49.51 percent for Trump.

The race is not just one of the most competitive in the House, but also the one bringing in the most cash. Bridge Michigan reported that as of October 12, $27 million had been funneled into both campaigns.

A source close to Cheney who requested to remain anonymous told Newsweek that Barrett is an "election denier."

Bridge reported on January 6, 2021, that Barrett and 11 Michigan senators wrote a letter to Congress to investigate voter fraud claims.

"He refuses to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election, fought the certification of the Electoral College and continues to push former President Trump's fraudulent claims to this day," the source close to Cheney said.

A statement provided to Newsweek by the Barrett campaign referred to both Cheney and Slotkin as "warhawks."

"Now, establishment warhawks like Liz Cheney and Elissa Slotkin are standing together because I oppose their senseless thirst for more foreign entanglements," Barrett said in a statement. "Rep. Slotkin has already said she would commit U.S. soldiers to combat with China so it's no surprise the Cheney family would join her. Slotkin can keep Cheney while I work to keep America out of war."

Ken Kollman, political science professor at the University of Michigan, told Newsweek the Cheney endorsement "might have a marginal effect" if it leads to more votes from moderate Republicans and independents. He doesn't see much of an impact on statewide top-of-ticket races.

Dave Dulio, professor of political science and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University, told Newsweek that ads blasting Slotkin's voting record for aligning with Biden's policies may have been the impetus for the endorsement.

It remains unclear whether Slotkin sought the endorsement or if the Cheney camp reached out first.

"[The endorsement] is aimed at wooing independent voters, moderate voters, maybe some soft Republicans—folks who are persuadable and might see it as a sign of bipartisanship on the side of Slotkin," Dulio said. "It could counter some of the attacks that have been leveled against the congresswoman."

But it could potentially have a reverse effect, Dulio said, due to the redrawn district looking very different from Slotkin's current 8th Congressional District. The new district contains more conservative and rural voters and basically is "much more Republican."

"This isn't going to change the complexion of the entire contest because it's too conservative of a district, like places in Livingston County. ... It's really interesting. Part of the story in 2022 is I think going to be turnout," he said. "I think that about every election, but something like this, you could see the endorsement energize Republicans even more in that district—some who may not be all in on Tom Barrett. I could totally see that.

"I think you're seeing the results of that shift with the Barrett campaign, and you can't talk about this race without the gobs of money coming from outside groups."

Jeffrey Grynaviski, associate professor of political science at Wayne State University, told Newsweek that incumbents usually have the upper hand due to their history of constituent service and "rubbing elbows" with the right people.

"But the district looks nothing like it did two years ago," he said. "The usual advantages aren't in play here."

While surprised that Cheney would endorse Slotkin instead of perhaps a Republican in a close race, he believes Cheney's strong position on the January 6 insurrection "is more likely to help than to hurt."

"For Slotkin to get this endorsement, it might move other Republicans," Grynaviski said. "Cheney is no liberal by any stretch, so for Slotkin to get an endorsement from a very conservative Republican from a family of conservative Republicans may have a small chance of flipping a few Republican votes across the ballot or mobilizing more Democrats to turn out—or discourage Republicans from turning out."