Nakagiri Widely Outspent in Effort to Unseat CalleyNakagiri Widely Outspent in Effort to Unseat Calley

8/14/14 - GOP precinct delegates in Livingston County today will pick fellow Republicans who will determine incumbent Gov. Rick Snyder’s running mate next weekend, with a local tea party activist making an insurgent bid to unseat current Lt. Governor Brian Calley. Wes Nakagiri is the treasurer of Hartland Township-based tea party-affiliated group RetakeOurGov. Nakagiri announced his candidacy for the nomination last year following Calley’s support for Governor Snyder’s efforts to create a state health care exchange to participate in the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” His candidacy represents an effort by tea party Republicans to gain leverage over the state party apparatus. However, it appears Calley isn’t taking the challenge lying down. Election spending reports show the Lt. Governor raising $220,000 this year and spending $214,000, while Nakagiri has raised just $13,000 this year, including $10,000 he lent his campaign. He’s spent $8,700. Nakagiri also loaned himself $10,000 last year. Republican activists will nominate Gov. Snyder's running mate on Saturday, August 23 in Novi. Delegates to the GOP convention also will determine nominations for secretary of state, attorney general, Michigan Supreme Court justices, state Board of Education and university boards. Calley's supporters say he's a proven conservative voice within the Snyder administration. "Establishment" Republicans have also spent a year working to ensure favorable delegates are chosen to attend the convention. Nakagiri says he offers a more conservative vision for Republicans. (JK)