Politics
Mike Rogers skips Michigan Senate event citing alleged moderator bias
Republican Mike Rogers declined a FOX 2 Detroit event, leaving opponent Abdul El-Sayed to appear alone.
The short version
- Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers skipped a Sept. 15 televised FOX 2 Detroit event with Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, citing alleged bias by moderator Roop Raj.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
- Rogers maintained that his campaign never agreed to participate and described the event as a town hall rather than a debate, while the station noted both campaigns were invited on Aug. 5.[CBS News · Fox News]
- El-Sayed appeared at the event alongside an open podium left for Rogers, criticizing his opponent for avoiding questions about his record.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
- Both candidates remain scheduled to face each other in upcoming debates on Oct. 8 and Oct. 21.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
Key facts
- Mike Rogers skipped a Sept. 15 FOX 2 Detroit televised event, citing alleged bias from moderator Roop Raj.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
- Rogers claimed he never agreed to participate and categorized the event as a town hall rather than a debate.[CBS News]
- FOX 2 Detroit stated both campaigns were invited on Aug. 5, with El-Sayed accepting the following day.[CBS News · Fox News]
- El-Sayed participated in the Sept. 15 event on FOX 2 Detroit with an open podium left for Rogers.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
- Both candidates have agreed to meet for televised debates scheduled on Oct. 8 and Oct. 21.[CBS News · Fox News · The Washington Sun]
What remains uncertain
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.