The
Michigan Republican Party Policy Committee has recommended a change requiring
candidates nominated for statewide office to file affidavits in May at the same
time as House and Senate candidates. The Committee will make a recommendation
to the Party’s State Central Committee in October and, if adopted, would
prevent a floor nomination for lieutenant governor at a convention.
Under
the proposal, candidates for statewide office on the November ballot would have
to file on May 15th; however, the requirement would not apply to
candidates for governor or the U.S. Senate. Candidates for lieutenant governor,
attorney general, secretary of state, Michigan Supreme Court and all of the
education boards would be affected.
Rumor
has it the proposal is an attempt to prevent a potentially embarrassing moment
for Governor Rick Snyder as some expect tea party activists, none-to-happy with
Governor Snyder, may attempt to nominate someone other than Lt. Governor Brian
Calley from the convention floor.
The proposal is reportedly one of many the Committee is proposing leading up to
the August 2014 convention.