SAGINAW, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — After backing two Republican candidates in the November election, Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel says he is leaving the Democratic Party.
Federspiel endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate John James earlier this month and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sept. 30.
Sheriff cites conflict with party’s direction
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Federspiel said his decision boiled down to what he called a “fundamental misalignment between the current direction of the party and my deepest personal and professional convictions.”
He said he can no longer support a platform that conflicts with his values on public safety and criminal justice.
“As a law enforcement officer, my highest priority is the safety of our citizens and justice for victims of crime. I am deeply concerned by the prevailing push within the Democratic platform toward policies that seek to prematurely release violent offenders from prison,” Federspiel said.
Karen King case underscores his concerns
Federspiel pointed to the 1997 killing of 18-year-old Karen King as an example of his concerns about sentencing reviews.
“A tragic, real-world example of this soft-on-crime approach is hitting close to home right now in Saginaw County. The case of 18-year-old Karen King, who was brutally kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in 1997, remains a painful scar on our region,” he said.
“Yet, due to systemic shifts in juvenile sentencing advocacy championed by progressives, her killers have been repeatedly granted court reviews and Miller hearings to evaluate them for potential resentencing and eventual release. Our justice system must prioritize victims and community safety over the comfort of convicted murderers.”
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Federspiel said his dedication to Saginaw County residents and his duties as sheriff remains unchanged.
Democrats welcome departure, pledge challenger
The Saginaw County Democratic Party, which criticized Federspiel’s endorsements last week, welcomed his departure and reiterated its intention to field a Democratic challenger.
“The Saginaw County Democratic Party welcomes Sheriff Federspiel’s decision to live authentically and to stand in his principles,” said party Chairman Brandell Adams.
“Democrats must do the same. Now we must run a TRUE Democrat who will enforce the law, protect human life and dignity, uphold the values of the Democratic Party, while staying away from needless attention and political brinksmanship.”
Republicans extend a welcome
Saginaw County Republican Party Chair Amy R. Carl said her party would welcome Federspiel.
“We, the Saginaw County Republican Party, would welcome Sheriff Federspiel to the party of law and order,” Carl said.
“His stated commitments to public safety, sanctity of life, fairness in athletics, economic freedom, and individual liberty fully align with the core values and platform of the Republican Party. We support freedom of speech, respect individual thought, and stand firmly behind the Constitution and those who defend it.”
Michigan’s statewide early in-person voting period begins Saturday, Oct. 24, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
