A Michigan reporter was caught on tape saying it "would suck" if Senate Republican candidate John James defeated the Democratic incumbent after she left him a voicemail asking for an interview.
Brenda Battel, a reporter for the Huron Daily Tribune, left a voicemail on James' campaign office phone at 3:40 p.m. requesting an interview on Wednesday, the day after the midterm elections, according to the Daily Caller.
"Hi, my name is Brenda Battel, I’m a reporter with the Huron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe, Michigan," Battel said in the voicemail.
"I’m looking to set up an appointment with Mr. James for some time on Wednesday for a phone interview regarding the election results," she continued. "I’m probably going to send an email over to the info@johnjamesforsenate.com with some details. Um, if you’d like to call me back, my number is … extension … Thank you."
After giving her contact information, she attempted to hang up, but the phone remained connected.
"Man, if he beats her … Jesus! F—ing John James. That would suck! Whew, I don’t think it’s going to happen though," Battel continued.
In response to the voicemail, James' campaign manager Tori Sachs expressed her frustration to the Daily Caller News Foundation, saying the media is undermining Republican candidates.
"It shows you that some media will do anything to keep the status quo and career politicians in power," Sachs said. "The liberal media can’t stand the idea of a job creator and combat veteran coming to Washington to shake up the system. This happened as we closed in within the margin of error."
James has been closing the gap with Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.) in recent weeks and is now within 2 points, according to a Change Research poll released Monday. He was down by 20 points in multiple polls at one point, according to the Daily Caller.