Michigan Republicans who were cleared of fraud charges on Sept. 9 praised the judge who dismissed the charges. They say the case was lawfare designed to punish Trump supporters.
Ingham County District Court Judge Kristen D. Simmons ruled on Sept. 9 that the 15 defendants will not face trial on charges lodged against them. Simmons dismissed the eight charges of fraud and forgery filed against each defendant.
Simmons said the law requires the state to prove intent and “there’s evidence sufficient to prove intent” of fraud. She said the evidence convinced her that the defendants truly believed they were following the law.
She drew chuckles in the courtroom when she pointed out that the defendants held a press conference announcing their plan to be alternate electors….