5/6/14 - A local Tea Party leader has submitted the paperwork needed to challenge incumbent Brian Calley for the GOP nomination to the lieutenant governorâs office. RetakeOurGov founder Wes Nakagiri confirmed that he has submitted his affidavit of candidacy on Monday. Nakagiri announced that he would be aiming for the office back in August, shortly after Calley supported the governorâs efforts to expand the stateâs Medicaid program as part of the national healthcare reform. Nakagiri says he opposes that expansion because he feels it adds to the long-term debt of the state. New Republican Party rules state that a candidate for the lieutenant governorâs office must submit the signatures of four GOP congressional district chairs or 21 members of the Michigan Republican Party State Committee, which has 105 members in total. Nakagiri exceeded those requirements by submitting signatures from 33 members of the state committee. He attempted to get the signatures of district chairs earlier this year, but was unable to get enough support to make the ballot. He claims that party members have been pressured by Calley to not provide their signatures. The GOP's policy committee is expected to meet in July to certify Nakagiri's signatures. (TD)
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