Judge makes it easier for independents to get on ballot
DETROIT (AP) — A candidate who made a small ripple in his run for Michigan attorney general is having a major impact on state election law more than a year later.
A judge put Chris Graveline on the 2018 ballot after he challenged the signature requirement for independent statewide candidates.
The same judge now has returned with a broader decision in his lawsuit, saying Michigan’s 30,000-signature threshold is too high.
U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts set the bar at 12,000 petition signatures for the 2020 election.
The ruling could immediately affect independent candidates who want to run for U.S. Senate or president. There are no races next year for Michigan governor, attorney general or secretary of state.
The 30,000-signature law was “not narrowly drawn to advance a compelling state interest,” Roberts said on Dec. 22.
It’s not known if the state will appeal.
Graveline finished fourth in the race for attorney general with less than two percent of the vote.
Lawmaker: Drinking and driving was a ‘stupid mistake’
AUBURN HILLS (AP) — A state lawmaker suspected of drunken driving said she made a “stupid mistake” by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
Rep. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, was arrested by Auburn Hills police and lodged in the Oakland County jail early Friday.
Warren told police she had been at an event in Detroit and was headed home to Ann Arbor, Lt. Ryan Gagnon said.
But she was stopped on northbound Interstate 75, a long way from Ann Arbor.
“I made a stupid mistake; I drank alcohol and got into my vehicle to drive,” Warren said. “I apologize to those impacted by my actions. Most importantly, I am extremely grateful that I did not hurt anyone.”
She refused a breath test and declined to give a blood sample until police obtained a search warrant, Gagnon said.
Any further action will depend on the results.
Warren has been in the House or Senate since 2007. This is her final term under Michigan’s term limits law.
Fire trucks carrying candy canes bring cheer to UP town
GLADSTONE (AP) — A small-town tradition in the Upper Peninsula spreads holiday cheer and helps a charity.
Firefighters riding in fire trucks went door-to-door the weekend before Christmas in Gladstone, distributing candy canes while collecting food and $465.79 for the local St. Vincent de Paul branch.
The Daily Press in Escanaba says the tradition started more than 20 years ago with five volunteers and one truck. Now more than 20 people are involved.
Children eagerly looked out their windows as fire trucks decorated with Christmas lights went up and down Gladstone's streets, playing holiday music.
Stockings full of candy canes were donated by Walmart.
“When we see people it’s not normally under very good circumstances," said Dave Brock, assistant fire chief at the Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department. “And when you get to do something like this, it really puts a different light on what we do.”
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