Holland Reporter

Answers regarding a contact-tracing contract with the state of Michigan continue to elude the Joint Select Committee, as a key player in the recommendation of the firm refuses to testify.

Ed Duggan is a former employee of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration and the current state political director for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. His decision drew the ire of Committee Chair Matt Hall (R-Marshall) and Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton), who issued a joint statement on Duggan. The contact-tracing firm itself had its no-bid contract cancelled once its Democratic ties became apparent amid public outcry and controversy. As the partisan nature of the contract came to light, the state had to act.

“Today, former Whitmer administration employee Ed Duggan notified our committee that he’s refusing to testify about his participation in a highly suspect political no-bid government contract or questions about him potentially giving preferential treatment to associates seeking unemployment benefits. Citizens expect accountability, so hopefully his current employer, Joe Biden, will require Ed Duggan to testify and provide the people of Michigan answers,” Nesbitt said, according to MiSenateGOP.

The two lawmakers also spoke out against Whitmer’s Department of Human and Health Services and Unemployment Insurance Agency, referring to criminal investigations. The committee has been stonewalled by the governor and staff as they have chosen not to testify due to the investigations noted.

Duggan defended himself, saying he had already made statements to the state Inspector General and referred the committee in that direction.

“On the basis of the foregoing, I must respectfully decline your request to attend a hearing of the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic and would refer you to the Auditor General or to those involved in the decisions and subject matter you are asking about. Thank you for your consideration,” Duggan wrote in a response letter.