Michigan Congressman Thaddeus McCotter has decided to drop plans for a write-in campaign for the November ballot.
The decision effectively ends the southeast Michigan congressman’s tenure in Washington after five terms.
In a written statement, McCotter says he’ll focus now on serving the needs of his district:
“One can’t clean up a mess multitasking. Honoring my promise to the sovereign people of our community only allows me to finish the official duties of my present Congressional term.” McCotter said in the statement.
McCotter’s reelection to Michigan’s 11th District congressional seat fell into disarray after it was determined his campaign had submitted hundreds of invalid signatures on his petitions to get on the August 7th primary ballot.
Michigan’s Attorney General’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into how the petition signatures were collected. McCotter says he will cooperate with the investigation.
”Honoring this promise does not allow me to continue a political write-in campaign. This decision is final, regardless of how swiftly the investigation is concluded,” McCotter says in his written statement.
High school teacher Kerry Bentivolio is the only candidate on the Republican primary ballot. But there is expectations that other Republicans may launch write-in campaigns.
McCotter finished his written statement with an apology to his supporters, and a jab at his detractors:
“To those who unhappy at this news, I’m sorry; to those happy at this news, you’re welcome.”
This is the second political campaign that has ended in disappointment for Thaddeus McCotter this year. The congressman sought the Republican presidential nomination. But a lack of funds and traction with voters lead McCotter to bow out of the GOP presidential race early.
