Lt. governor sets date for primary election on Nov. 3 (From 9-13 County Press)

[William Gavette]

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Lt. governor sets date for primary election on Nov. 3

BY JEFF HOGAN

810-452-2640 •

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Theresa Spencer LAPEER — The resignation of former state Rep. Todd Courser on Friday set in motion a fast-track election cycle to fill the now-vacant seat.

Lapeer County Clerk Theresa Spencer was informed late Friday afternoon by the governor’s office that a primary election will be held Nov. 3, with the general election next year on March 8. Deadline for Lapeer County candidates to file for the primary is Friday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m.

To date, four Republican candidates — Jake Davison, Ian Kempf, Gary Howell and Chris Tuski — have announced their interest to become our next 82nd House District seat representative. No Democratic candidates have announced interest in the race yet, though that’s sure to change.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley made the announcement in place of Gov. Rick Snyder who is on a trade trip to Japan and Germany until Sept. 17.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley “This determination ensures we can put this troubling situation behind us and continue our focus on moving Michigan forward and the issues that make a positive difference for all residents,” Calley said in a statement.

“... By adding this question to the ballot on existing election dates, costs will be minimized to local governments, and voters will have ample time to research candidates and make the best decision as to who will next represent them.”

House Speaker Kevin Cotter’s office has said House staff would be assigned to handle constituent issues in Lapeer County as well as in Allegan County where former state Rep. Cindy Gamrat is from.

Calley’s announcement to schedule the elections on existing election dates is potentially good news to Spencer, who is concerned the county might have to absorb the cost of two elections at a price tag of as much as $120,000 each.

“There will be more conversations about how the elections will be paid for, but right now that’s not totally certain. Hopefully we’ll learn more next week,” Spencer said. “This is new to us. Nothing like this has ever happened so there are a lot of people still waiting for more answers as we work this through.”

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