by
Kelly Neumann, (Linkedin photo)
Campaigns can often face challenges and embarrassments.
Here’s one for Michigan Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
The Michigan Advance reports that a recently deleted 2024 social media post from attorney Kelly Neumann, a top Democratic donor and financial co-chair of McMorrow’s campaign, resurfaced in January after conservative media reported on it. On Monday, she apologized.
The post included a photo of her grandfather, Albert Neumann, in uniform. He fought for Nazi Germany during World War II.
The Michigan Advance reported that the Facebook post first appeared on Nov. 11, 2024 — Veterans Day.
Neumann wrote:
“Happy Veterans Day to all my family and friends who serve/served! Without you, America would not be here today. Interesting story, I do not talk much about but my Grandfather, Albert Neumann was on the German side in WWI & WWII. He escaped to Brazil with my Father after Germany lost in WWII and then made their way to Detroit where they spoke no English and worked their way up to provide a stable life for their family. My grandfather was one of my best friends.”
Neumann on Monday issued a public apology on Facebook.
Grandfather, Albert Neumann (Facebook posting in Michigan Advance)
"I’d like to address some stories that have recently come up in the media. First off, I sincerely apologize to anyone who was hurt by post from years ago, as that was certainly never my intention. I only wished to offer a personal story about my grandfather who was the first person who accepted me for me.
"Let me make this crystal clear - rather than reach out to me with concerns after I made the post two years ago, Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ team actively accepted my financial support, welcoming the tens of thousands of dollars I raised for her –– and only recently publicly came forward to attack me and called me antisemitic, after I chose to endorse and help her political opponent. This is unacceptable and obviously hurtful, as I help and raise money for many candidates no matter what religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. My history and commitment to justice speaks for itself. Those who know me, know."
"Also of importance is how Congresswoman's Stevens team has repeatedly suggested my grandfather was in the SS. This is shameful and factually untrue, as confirmed by the German Army. Congresswoman should have done her due diligence before making such a false, harmful, and defamatory statement.
"To be clear, my grandfather was a german soldier, not a nazi as the Congresswoman's team suggested. Furthermore, Congresswoman's false accusations of me celebrating an empire that I despise, is yet again defamatory and illegal. I would expect more fidelity to the truth from someone who expects to represent us in the Senate -- and was so willing to accept my financial support until I decided to support a different candidate.
"I remain committed to championing equality and justice, and speaking the truth, as everyone should do, especially candidates running for U.S. Senate."
The McMorrow campaign did not respond to the Michigan Advance for comment.
