AG Schuette to investigate GOP lawmaker McCotter’s petitions for possible fraud

Category: News Briefs Published on Wednesday, 06 June 2012 11:26 Written by Michigan Chronicle

Attorney General Bill Schuette has announced that the Attorney General’s Criminal Division will investigate allegations of possible fraud related to nominating petitions filed in Representative Thaddeus McCotter’s 2012 candidacy for the 11th Congressional District.  

The decision to investigate follows a formal referral from the Secretary of State’s Bureau of Elections.

“We will follow the facts, without fear or favor,” said Schuette.  “It’s our duty to maintain the integrity of our election process.  We will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation. If evidence of criminal violations is uncovered, we will not hesitate to prosecute.” 

Earlier this month, Representative McCotter submitted nominating petitions to the Michigan Secretary of State for his candidacy for the 11th Congressional District.  A formal review by the Bureau of Elections revealed various discrepancies in the petition filing, including duplicate signatures and the appearance of altered petitions.