Mike Collins campaign faces backlash over ties to hate group

by@dscc

Summary

Rep. Mike Collins's Senate campaign is facing serious allegations after it was revealed that several of his campaign leaders, including Joshua Mote and Michael Boggus, have ties to American Patriots USA, a far-right group founded by former Ku Klux Klan leader Chester Doles. Despite Collins previously denouncing American Patriots USA as a hate organization, ongoing controversies surrounding his campaign link him to individuals associated with white nationalism, raising concerns within the GOP regarding their support for his candidacy against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Collins has implemented a grassroots initiative involving convoy captains across Georgia, yet the mounting scrutiny over his campaign's connections to hate groups continues to affect his electoral prospects.

Analysis

Joshua Mote: Joshua Mote served as a convoy captain for Mike Collins' Senate campaign in Hall County, Georgia. He previously acted as vice president of American Patriots USA, a group led by Chester Doles. Mote has stated he left the organization after learning details about its founder and has denied holding racist views. Mike Collins: Mike Collins is a Republican U.S. Representative from Georgia seeking the party's nomination for the U.S. Senate. His campaign has emphasized a grassroots structure using county-level 'convoy captains' to organize support. Recent reporting has connected multiple campaign appointees to white nationalist figures and groups. Chester Doles: Chester Doles founded American Patriots USA, a far-right organization classified as a white nationalist hate group. He has a history as a former Ku Klux Klan leader and neo-Nazi affiliate who was convicted of assault in the 1990s. Doles has remained active in events involving white supremacist figures despite claims of personal reform. Michael Boggus: Michael Boggus worked as a convoy captain for Mike Collins' Senate campaign representing Banks County. He previously served as state director of American Patriots USA and campaigned alongside its founder Chester Doles. Boggus has defended Doles while asserting that the former KKK leader had moved away from his past. David Alan Scheer II: David Alan Scheer II is the son-in-law of Mike Collins and has been featured on the congressman's campaign materials. He has posted antisemitic content and Nazi imagery online, including statements blaming Jews for various events and expressing support for white nationalism. His online activity has drawn scrutiny in connection with Collins' Senate bid. Additional Ties: Collins' campaign has faced ongoing scrutiny over associations with individuals linked to white nationalist activity, including family members. Campaign Structure: Mike Collins has promoted an extensive network of convoy captains across Georgia counties to drive grassroots organizing for his Senate race. Prior Denunciations: Mike Collins previously denounced American Patriots USA as a hate organization after being listed as a speaker at one of its events.

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