Some GOP candidates running for Governor, may have failed to file enough valid signatures.
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s elections bureau says five Republican candidates for governor, including two leading contenders, failed to file enough valid nominating signatures and shouldn’t qualify for the August primary.
The reports issued late Monday by staff are a major blow to former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who has led in polling, and businessman Perry Johnson, who has spent millions of his own money to campaign.
Democrats had challenged their petitions, alleging forgery and other issues. Another GOP candidate, Tudor Dixon, also had contested Craig’s signatures.
The bipartisan Board of State Canvassers will meet Thursday to consider the elections bureau’s recommendations.
Meanwhile, Captain Michael Brown has taken himself out of the running for Governor of Michigan. Brown says he believes independent contractors brought onto his campaign to gather signatures “jumped onto other campaigns and went on a money grab.” He says these contractors were involved in the alleged fraudulent signature gathering.