Patterson Alleges Fraud In 'Tea Party' Ballot Dispute
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is asking for an investigation into fake tea party filings for elected office.
Patterson called a news conference Wednesday, to announce his plan to call grand jury to investigate allegations of possible political corruption.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said Wednesday he'll ask a circuit court to form a one-person grand jury to investigate whether any election-related crimes were committed -- spefically, by former Oakland County Democratic Party Political Directory, Jason Bower.
"What I am referring to are questionable and fradulant Democrat-sponsored Tea Party candidates, attempting to gain access to the ballot. And, what has occured is nothing more than a brutish attempt to confuse votors and drain away Republic votes in races where Democrats are in danger of losing in the upcoming November elections," Patterson said.
This comes after Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson requested an investigation of three suspicious filings for political office. Johnson testified about allegations of fake Tea Party filings at a State Board of Canvassers meeting this week.
She said she med with Oakland County Sheriff's Office investigators and is providing information to the FBI.
Johnson, who's a Republican candidate for Secretary of State, said she was alarmed after recently finding the signatures, two for county board of commissioners and one for Michigan senate, which don't match voter registration signatures.
Johnson said that fake Tea Party candidates have surfaced in Florida and Nevada.
"The Tea Party'' isn't certified for the ballot. The group is expected to sue asking to be placed on the ballot.
Some Republicans and tea party activists have sued to try and keep the group off the ballot.
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