GRAND RAPIDS — An expert on parliamentary procedure who co-authored the latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” testified Wednesday that it appears Kristina Karamo was properly removed as chair of the Michigan Republican Party.
Thomas Balch, a professional parliamentarian and former legislative analyst, used a whiteboard and projector to transform his testimony in Kent County Circuit Court to something more akin to a college lecture.
Michigan Republican Party state committee members who oppose Karamo are seeking a judge’s declaration that Karamo was lawfully removed at a Jan. 6 meeting. They also are asking Judge Joseph Rossi to issue a preliminary injunction to restrict Karamo’s ability to act on behalf of the party while the case proceeds.
On Jan. 20, state committee members who voted to remove Karamo elected former ambassador and congressman Pete Hoekstra to replace her. The court heard Wednesday that with both Karamo and Hoekstra claiming to be the lawful chair, confusion has ensued as the Feb. 27 presidential primary and the March 2 Republican caucus/convention approaches. Karamo has scheduled a convention in Detroit; Hoekstra has called one in Grand Rapids on the same date.