A ballot question committee has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to reverse approval of the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics (MMOP) initiative, arguing it lacks the required signatures.

The Board of State Canvassers (BSC) approved MMOP’s petition signatures on July 24, finding the group had 645 valid signatures in a 1,000-signature sample, but Protect MI Free Speech (PMFS) filed a suit alleging the BSC’s math doesn’t add up because the initiative needed 661 – not 636 – valid signatures.

“The BSC committed an astonishing error by brazenly ignoring the formula they established,” said PMFS spokesperson John Sellek, of public relations firm Harbor Strategic. “The petition failed to meet the threshold required under its own methodology. It’s sloppy math and a failure to follow its own standards.

– Angela Benander of the Bureau of Elections in reference to local clerks who gave out the popular werewolf “I Voted” stickers of 2024 during Tuesday’s primary election.

Michigan State University assistant professor Rashida Harrison, a literal political unknown, defeated Ingham County commissioners Mark Polsdofer and Robert Pena in the 28th state Senate district covering MSU’s campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Harrison’s victory came as a surprise to some political observers who forecasted a win for the heavily endorsed Polsdofer.

Harrison narrowly won Ingham County by 314 votes and Shiawassee by 693. With 13 precincts left to fully report, she was up by 514 votes in Clinton County, giving her a margin of 1,521 votes.

Polsdofer was endorsed by outgoing Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) to be his successor, announcing his candidacy the morning after Singh made public he was not going to seek reelection this year in early March. He was also backed the Michigan Association for Justice, numerous unions, a battalion of local elected officials and business groups.

Following Tuesday’s primaries, Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Union Twp.) announced Thursday night that Senate Republicans have united behind him to become the caucus’ leader next term.

“I am grateful for the trust and confidence my colleagues have placed in me,” Hauck said in a press release Thursday evening. “This team brings together experienced leaders and fresh perspectives from every corner of our state. Together, we are committed to building a united caucus that will deliver results for Michigan families, workers and small businesses.”

Hauck and Sen. Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills), co-chairs of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, were both running internally this year to become the caucus’ next leader.

Webber was quoted in Thursday night’s press release announcing united support behind Hauck’s leadership bid.

“Roger and I are laser-focused on supporting candidates who will work hard for the people of Michigan, fight for Michigan families, help small businesses, create opportunities for future generations, and win back the Senate majority,” Webber said.