Four Candidates Withdraw from Michigan Primary Ballot

OCTOBER 9, 2007

Four Democratic presidential candidates - U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) and former U.S. Sen. John Edwards - filed affidavits with the Michigan Department of State requesting that their names be removed from Michigan's Jan. 15 Democratic Party Primary ballot.

This means four Democratic candidates are still on the Michigan ballot: U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton D-N.Y.), U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich and U.S. Sen. Mike Gravel (D-Ala.).

Per Michigan Election Law (168.615a), those not wishing to appear on Michigan's Presidential Primary ballot had until 4:00 p.m., October 9, 2007 to withdraw by filing a sworn statement expressing their desire to have their name removed from the ballot. The communication had to include the signature of the presidential candidate. All presidential candidates were informed of the legal provisions relating to Michigan's Presidential Primary by registered mail.

Individuals can still qualify for placement on Michigan's Presidential Primary ballot by filing a nominating petition with the Department of State by 4:00 p.m., October 23, 2007. However, petitions cannot be circulated prior to August 15, 2007. Signature requirements: Republican Party candidate: 11,569; Democratic Party candidate: 12,396.