Michigan Senate leader Shirkey on hot mic says he stands by 'points I was trying to make' Lansing — Michigan Senate Leader Mike Shirkey was caught on a hot mic Wednesday, defending the "points I was trying to make" in a video where he labeled the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection a "hoax." Shirkey, R-Clarklake, made the new comment Wednesday morning at the beginning of Senate session while speaking with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, a Democrat. Gilchrist told Shirkey the "temperature is hot" and informed the Republican Senate leader he would be making media appearances later in the day. "Just one thing before you get going," Shirkey then said. "I frankly ... don't take back any of the points I was trying to make."