Headlines

GOP Shocked Over Michigan Congressman's Petition Woes

Posted: 4:50 PM May 26, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

LIVONIA, Mich. (AP) -- A Detroit-area teacher who decided to challenge a Michigan congressman suddenly has a good chance of winning the Republican primary after incumbent Thaddeus McCotter ran into problems with his petition signatures.

Kerry Bentivolio (Bent-a-VOLE'-ee-oh) lives in Milford in Oakland County. He's a war veteran, teacher and beekeeper. And he says he's fed up with the debt of the federal government.

McCotter's campaign is in trouble after the secretary of state's office said his petitions apparently don't have 1,000 valid signatures for the August ballot, although a final decision hasn't been made. The Livonia Republican is investigating. GOP officials are stunned about the blunder.

Bentivolio says his phone is ringing with calls of support. He jokes that his name recognition will improve when people learn to pronounce it.