Well-known Michigan singer and novice politician Kid Rock invited first time Republican Senate candidate John James to sit court-side at the Detroit Pistons game Saturday night, The Daily Caller News Foundation has learned.
Kid Rock, born Robert Ritchie, was spotted dining with James at his in-stadium restaurant, Made In Detroit, before the pair headed to Ritchie’s court-side seats to watch their home town Pistons play the Houston Rockets.
John James Kid Rock 1/Photos obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation
John James Kid Rock 1/Photos obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation
Rock capitalized on his status as a well loved native son of Michigan in 2017, teasing a run for Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s seat for months and selling merchandise to that effect, before announcing that he would not run in October.
“… No, I’m not running for Senate,” Kid Rock said. “Are you … kidding me? Who … couldn’t figure that out?” Rock said on “The Howard Stern Show.”
The aging rocker modeled himself somewhat in the style of Trump before dropping out of the race, traveling through Michigan and giving raucous speeches railing against liberal elites and the fake news media.
The field continued to open for James after wealthy Republican front-runner GOP Rep. Fred Upton left the race, followed shortly by former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Young. (RELATED: As Upton Drops Out, GOP Pins Hopes On Michigan Newcomer)
James, a West Point graduate and combat veteran, must still contend with a challenge from wealthy Michigan financier Sandy Pensler, who entered the race in November and vowed to spend millions of his own money for the opportunity to challenge Stabenow. Pensler has come under fire from conservatives the pro-choice views he espoused during a 1992 House run. He has since disavowed his formerly held views on abortion and explained that having kids caused him to reconsider.
James, who took over his family business after returning home from the Middle East, is running on a strong pro-business platform buoyed by repeated vows to pursue Trump’s agenda. He’s also received an endorsement from Robert O’Neil, a Navy SEAL who was a part of the team that shot and killed Osama bin Laden.
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