Recently, Upper Peninsula state Reps. Greg Markkanen and Dave Prestin joined 11 other state representatives and nine colleagues in the state Senate in signing an “urgent request” asking U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to “deploy official election monitors and provide comprehensive oversight for Michigan’s 2026 primary and general elections.”

The letter stated: “Our concerns center on Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who, as the state’s chief election official, will oversee the 2026 elections while simultaneously appearing on the ballot as a candidate for governor.

“This creates an inherent and unavoidable conflict of interest, as Secretary Benson will be administering an election in which she has a direct personal stake in the outcome. Such a situation risks compromising the impartiality required for fair election oversight and demands external federal scrutiny to maintain public trust.”

The letter signed by the 22 state Republicans was drafted by Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, himself a candidate for the governor’s office. As of Dec. 4, Nesbitt is polling at 2% among Republican primary candidates. Meanwhile, Benson is the Democratic frontrunner.

The letter elaborately criticizes Benson’s tenure as secretary of state.

“Given this extensive history of violations, conflicts and failures, we believe federal monitoring is essential to safeguard the 2026 elections,” the letter reads. “We urge the DOJ to deploy personnel to observe polling places, absentee ballot processing, voter registration activities and central count facilities across Michigan. Such oversight will help ensure adherence to federal laws, prevent irregularities and restore faith in our democratic processes.”

At first blush, these virtues might appear admirable until you consider the underlying action – they are willing to surrender Michigan’s elections to the oversight of AG Bondi’s Department of Justice.

There are numerous problems with this idea, aside from any concerns these legislators might have about Benson.

A bipartisan Michigan Senate Oversight Committee investigation, chaired by Republican State Senator Ed McBroom, concluded that in the November 2020 election “citizens should be confident the results represent the true results of the ballots cast by the people of Michigan. The Committee strongly recommends citizens use a critical eye and ear toward those who have pushed demonstrably false theories for their own personal gain.”

The investigation also directly addressed the work of those who conduct and oversee Michigan elections. Benson was secretary of state at that time.

“Further, we commend the innumerable clerks, canvassers, staff, workers, and volunteers across Michigan that make the enormous complexity of elections operate so smoothly, so often. The complexity of the work and the dedication we discovered are astounding and worthy of our sincerest appreciation.

“We also commend the diligent citizens that took time to report problems and concerns they saw because they want and value fair and free elections above party or personal gain. If all citizens remain vigilant and involved, we will emerge stronger after any challenging time.”

Meanwhile, I watched a four-hour Senate Oversight Hearing in October where AG Bondi testified about her department, largely refusing to answer questions, sporting arrogance, contempt and condescension that made it difficult to watch.

She has also openly been the willing architect of numerous investigations of named political enemies of President Trump, at his behest. It is clear the American people should be highly skeptical of her actions, aims and loyalties.

Requesting her influence be directed to the free and fair elections of Michigan is not only ill-advised it is reprehensible and it risks bringing actual malfeasance and fraud to our elections.

After their request, the trustworthiness, efficacy and motives of these partisan lawmakers who signed the letter should also be strongly questioned.