LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. John James appears ready to skip yet another debate, this time the April 10 forum in Ann Arbor, while refusing to firmly say whether he will show up for any others after that.

James stalls while rivals wait.

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The Macomb Daily reported James as saying that he’ll “consider” participating in debates after the GOP field is set following the April 21 filing deadline and April 24 withdrawal deadline. Not exactly a clear commitment to face voters – or his opponents – anytime soon. The event in Ann Arbor marks the fifth primary debate that James has been a no-show for.

His latest explanation on staying out of the debates, which was given to reporters in Chesterfield Township while visiting manufacturers, is that he wants to “unify” the party rather than spend time sparring with fellow Republicans. But to critics, it looks a lot more like a frontrunner avoiding unscripted moments.

Johnson closes the gap.

James’ debate dodge might be easier to sell if he was miles ahead in the race to be Michigan’s next governor. But recent chatter and polling snapshots suggest Oakland County businessman Perry Johnson is running closer to James than Team James would probably like.

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Johnson, who promises to abolish Michigan’s income tax, has been pouring money into the race since he announced his candidacy at the end of January, hammering James as a polished career politician, and working to turn this primary into something more competitive than the congressman’s camp may have expected.

Yob fires shot, Trump stays silent.

Perry’s political adviser John Yob said to the Detroit News about James back in January, “John James is running a lazy campaign that relies on the generosity of the DeVos family and not the hard work it will take to win this office.”

And then there’s the Trump problem – or non-endorsement problem. For all of James’ attempts to carry himself like the inevitable nominee, President Donald Trump still has not endorsed him. In a Republican primary, that is not some tiny detail to tuck in the fine print. It is a blinking caution light.

James may still be the best-known name in the field, but if he keeps ducking debates, won’t commit to future ones, and keeps campaigning without Trump’s blessing, voters may start wondering whether the “frontrunner” label is a little more fragile than advertised.