Ted Cruz stumps for Rogers, James in Imlay City

IMLAY CITY — Downtown Imlay City was hopping Wednesday afternoon when the campaign swing featuring Republicans John James, for governor, and Mike Rogers, for U.S. Senatemade a stop at Third and Main.

Law enforcement officers from multiple local agencies, along with the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, were on hand to keep the peace and ensure there were no security issues. Wooden barricades and police cruisers blocked off the area to motorists attempting to drive through.

Imlay City Downtown Development Director Chuck Bennett was pleased with the prospect that Imlay City would “be put on the political map.”

“This is great for downtown and it’s great for the community,” Bennett said before the one-hour event. “It really doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you are on; it’s just neat to see all these people coming to town. Hopefully people will stop in our other businesses too. I’m glad to be part of this.”

City Manager Craig Horton said he learned the event was coming to town a few days prior from Third and Main owner Gjon Marku.

“Gjon let us know about it, and we told him the city would do whatever was necessary to make it a successful afternoon,” Horton said. “This is the first time Imlay City has had something like this that I know of.”

Police Chief Charles Rushton is no stranger to political rallies, having worked several security details — including presidential visits — during his time with the Warren Police Department.

“We just wanted to make sure we had everything covered downtown, so we brought in officers from neighboring departments,” Rushton said. “There’s no need for snipers or anything like that here. We just have officers positioned around the perimeter, and we also have at least one drone that I am aware of up in the air.”

The Metamora Police Department provided the drone coverage and officers, along with personnel from the Almont Police Department, Imlay City Police Department and the sheriff’s office.

“We had about 25 officers on site, including several of our guys that were working overtime or got called in. We had it pretty well covered,” Rushton said.

While more than 200 people lined up outside on a crisp fall day, staff at Third and Main joined Republican Party staffers to put the final touches on the popular eatery, transforming it into a small rally hall. Those wishing to get inside had to RSVP and be on an entrance list. Many attendees wore red, white and blue clothing and carried Mike Rogers signs, while a small cluster of protesters holding picket signs gathered on the north side of Third Street.

A large tour bus carrying support staff and security personnel for Rogers, gubernatorial candidate John James and lieutenant governor candidate Jay DeBoyer pulled up outside the business around 4:30 p.m.

James was the first to exit, followed by Rogers and other dignitaries, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. As the entourage made its way into the crowded building, about 150 people inside broke into chants of “USA! USA!” and “Mike! Mike! Mike!” The guests then delivered campaign remarks to the fired-up crowd.

Despite the heavy police presence, the only noticeable conflict arose after the rally when protesters crossed the street and engaged in a shouting match with Republican supporters. After monitoring the exchange for several minutes, Imlay City police officers moved in and dispersed the crowd.

Goodland Township Supervisor Patrick Patterson and Imlay Township Supervisor Rick Farkas were among those in attendance. Both said it was a great opportunity for the community to show support.

“This is what community is all about,” Patterson said. “Folks coming together, no matter which side of the aisle you are on, and being able to have civil conversation. It doesn’t always have to be a negative thing.”

The stop in Imlay City capped a long day of travel for the candidates, who started with a morning appearance in Grosse Pointe before traveling to Port Huron and north into the Thumb for a stop in Bad Axe.

James faces Democratic Secretary of State Joceylyn Benson and Rogers faces progressive Abdul El-Sayed in the general election on Nov. 3.