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Michigan's presidential primary lineups coming soon

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

Michigan’s presidential primary ballot will begin to shape up this week.

Michigan’s Republican and Democratic presidential primaries are March 8. 

But who gets a spot on the ballot? Hundreds of people are running for president of the United States. Of course, you’ve heard of Donald TrumpandHillary Clinton. But how about John Blythor Mike Diggs?

By the end of this week, the Michigan Secretary of State’s office will announce the list of Republicans and Democrats whose names will be on the March primary ballot.  

Credit Blyth America website
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Blyth America website
Democratic Presidential candidate John Blyth

A spokesman says the department bases its decision on the people the national news media identifies as “candidates.” Most likely that means on the Democratic side, former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, current Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will make the cut. As will many top Republicans, including businessman Donald Trump, neurosurgeon Ben Carson and Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, among others. 

But there may still be a few presidential hopefuls left off the ballot. 

Credit Mike Diggs for president Facebook page
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Mike Diggs for president Facebook page
Republican candidate Mike Diggs

The state parties have the option to add names next week. Spokespersons for both parties say they’ll have to wait and see who’s on and off the Secretary of State’s list. 

Anyone left off both lists can still get on the ballot, but they’ll have to collect more than 10,000 signatures by the middle of December.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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