LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) –Two Democratic challengers to Congressman Fred Upton may not appear on the ballot in the August primary election after all.
The Secretary of State Office says Paul Clements and Eponine Garrod are both less than 30 petition signatures short of the required number to be put on the ballot, and their recommendation is to disqualify them.
The state Board of Canvassers will get final say Friday.
Clements and Garrod were running in a crowded field of democrats trying to unseat Rep. Fred Upton. Clements was one of five that Ruth Johnson says failed to survive review and challenges submitted to the Secretary of State’s office.
There are a number of reasons why signatures can be invalidated and Andrew Davis, a supporter of Democratic opponent Matt Longjohn filed the challenge of Clements petitions.
Another democrat vying for the nomination, George Franklin says he is disappointed that the Longjohn Campaign filed the challenge, saying it runs “counter to our fundamental values” calling it a political ploy.
But it’s one that has apparently borne fruit.
That leaves four in the race for the nomination, including Franklin, Longjohn, David Benac and Rich Eichholz.
