FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/12/2017
Contact: Media Assistant 1, Anita Belle for US Senate
(313) 395-6200
(517) 294-9914
US Senate Candidate Says Kid Rock Is Not A Serious Choice
“Crude behavior illustrates an inability to lead,” says Belle
A
candidate seeking the US Senate seat currently held by Democrat Debbie
Stabenow recently voiced strong concerns about another potential
opponent in the race – recording artist Kid Rock. Anita Belle, who is
campaigning for the nomination of the Green Party of Michigan in the
contest, responded to Rock’s recent attacks on local activists and
leaders in the black community.
“Kid Rock is
not a serious candidate for public office and no one should be treating
him seriously. He’s shamelessly self-promoting his new record while
participating in dog-whistle politics. He has the audacity to degrade
people who are moving the black community forward with positive
activism, like Rev. Al Sharpton and Colin Kapernick. It shows that he
will do anything to make a buck.”
Rock, whose
real name is Robert Ritchie, has announced he is “exploring” a run for
US Senate and is prepared to headline a string of dates opening the
brand new Little Caesar’s Arena in downtown Detroit. The arena was
partially funded by public money and Rock owns a restaurant in the complex.
Local
activists including Metro Detroit Political Action Network have
responded with fervor to the decision to have Rock open the arena,
pointing to his prior use of the confederate flag and outlandish public
statements as reasons they will protest the 9/12 concert and grand
opening. An event on Facebook promoting a rally in opposition to the
grand opening has produced substantial interest, with more than one
thousand responses.
While Rock
has stated he is merely “exploring” a run, a website owned by the
singer’s label, Warner Bros. Records offers T-shirts, yard signs and
other memorabilia stating “Kid Rock ‘18 for US Senate” alongside other
items, including a t-shirt depicting much of the US as a country called
“Dumbf***istan.
Rock
has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by the group Common
Cause, which claims Rock is violating Federal election law. Rock
publicly responded by telling the organization “Go f*** yourselves.”
“It’s unthinkable that a candidate for any public office would respond
in such a way, especially a candidate for US Senate. Kid Rock’s crude
behavior illustrates an inability to lead.” Belle said. “Donald Trump
has ushered in a new era of lowest-common denominator politics. Now, Kid
Rock is upping the ante. How low can we go? Michigan deserves much
better. Our prospective public officials should conduct themselves in a
manner that is worthy of respect.”
Recently,
the singer performed a concert in Grand Rapids, giving a mock-up
campaign speech, complete with podium, where he attacked single mothers
receiving government assistance. “It is the epitome of white privilege
for Kid Rock to attack poor working mothers using bogus welfare queen
stereotypes.” Belle remarked. “Stating ‘I love black people’ at the end
of his speech to cover for his dog-whistling isn’t fooling Detroit
residents and it’s not fooling the voters of the great state of
Michigan.”
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Anita Belle is available for interview. To schedule an appointment, call (517) 294-9914