There are calls for investigations after the Michigan Bureau of Elections determined five Republican candidates for governor failed to file enough signatures to qualify for the August primary ballot.
The bureau’s review found 68 thousand signatures, all or most collected by paid circulators, that were likely forged, duplicates, or otherwise invalid. The report found 36 circulators turned in sheets filled with nothing but invalid signatures.
Among those who fell short were former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who was a favorite of many GOP leaders. Michigan Republican Party Chair Ron Weiser, in a statement, accused Democrats of operating, quote, “behind the scenes” to disqualify GOP candidates from the primary ballot.
The next step is for the bipartisan Michigan Board of State Canvassers to decide whether to accept the recommendations. The board meets Thursday.
