DETROIT — As the November election nears, non-disclosure agreements signed years ago with a Chinese company are resurfacing — and affecting congressional races in Michigan.
The years-long controversy over Gotion’s development dreams was inflamed this week when Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance spoke at a local farm against the project, which he called “a threat to America’s national security.”Hertel, the Democrat in the 7th District race, is not only a former Michigan House Speaker, but also an early mentor to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — he even gave the gov her first job in politics.
“I was disgusted,” Brock said. “I had no idea people were that dishonest as to sign NDAs to not discuss what’s going in on our own community.”Rep. Elissa Slotkin meets with fellow Michigan lawmakers and delegates during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.When Democrats signed the agreements, “I don’t think they thought it would be a liability,” Roe explained. “And I would point to Elissa Slotkin.
“Congresswoman Slotkin has never had any contact with Gotion, period — nor did she ever sign an NDA relating to that project,” a campaign spokesman told Fox in August of 2023, doubling down on the denial.