Reporter Fired After Voicemail Released by Michigan Senate Candidate

Brenda Battel, a staff writer with Michigan’s Huron Daily Tribune, was fired after she was caught on a voicemail slamming the state’s Republican Senate candidate John James.

The Huron Daily Tribune’s editor, Kate Hessling, said: “I have listened to the voicemail left by Brenda Battel to Mr. James’ campaign, and find no reason to defend this behavior. Brenda Battel’s employment has been immediately terminated.”

In the voicemail message, Battel requests an interview with James. After she unsuccessfully tries to end the call, Battel is heard saying “Man if he beats her, Jesus, fucking John James, that would suck.” Credit: John James via Storyful