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GOP Congressional candidate to skip mid-Michigan debate forum, drawing criticism — Alfred Lemmo | ChamberLight
News / Local News / mlive 2 min read Image · mlive
SOURCE CHECK TAP FOR WHY Outlet credibility · mlive Not enough stories yet: 3 of 10.
This article 1 analysis · Sep 24, 2026
75 Credibility Source credibility: 75 out of 100, high 70 Neutrality Story neutrality: 70 out of 100, balanced CENTER LEAN Center
Republican congressional nominee Thomas J. Smith will skip an SVSU candidate forum, prompting criticism from incumbent Kristen McDonald Rivet’s campaign. Smith’s campaign responded with attacks on Rivet but did not explain his decision to decline the invitation.
Community verdict 9 VOTES TS How does this story look for
● OPEN ▲ GOOD LOOK TAP TO VOTE 14% TAP TO VOTE ▼ BAD LOOK TAP TO VOTE 86% TAP TO VOTE
Doesn't really affect Smith Rated by people, not pundits. ● OPEN
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best Outlet credibility · mlive Not enough stories yet: 3 of 10.
This article 1 analysis · Sep 24, 2026
75 Credibility HIGH Source credibility: 75 out of 100 70 Neutrality BALANCED Story neutrality: 70 out of 100
POLITICAL LEAN Center
People in this story 7 TS Republican nominee who declined the SVSU candidate forum invitation.
PRIMARY SUBJECT
AL Republican who competed against Smith and Hassan in the primary.
President whose endorsement of Amir Hassan is noted as primary background.
Republican who competed against Smith in the primary and received President Trump’s endorsement.
Incumbent Democrat challenging Smith; her campaign criticized his decision to skip the forum.
Republican who previously ran against Rivet for the district seat.
Senate candidate referenced in Smith’s campaign’s attack on Rivet.
President whose endorsement of Amir Hassan is noted as primary background.
AH Republican who competed against Smith in the primary and received President Trump’s endorsement.
Incumbent Democrat challenging Smith; her campaign criticized his decision to skip the forum.
SHOW 2 MORE SHOW FEWER PJ Republican who previously ran against Rivet for the district seat.
Senate candidate referenced in Smith’s campaign’s attack on Rivet.
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