LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today adopted a resolution proposed by State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) that opposes using any public funds for a repeat presidential primary in Michigan.
"It would be completely irresponsible for the state to spend taxpayer money to redo a primary that has already taken place," Corriveau said. "Michigan's taxpayers don't have $10 million to spare for a repeat primary. We need to focus on our priorities – creating jobs for our workers and strengthening our economy – and forget about using any public funds to pay for a second primary."
Earlier this year, Michigan broke the rules of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) by holding a presidential primary before Feb. 5. Because Michigan's presidential primary was held on Jan. 15, the DNC has refused to seat any of Michigan's delegates. Groups are working on options that would allow Michigan's delegates to be counted – including holding another primary.
Corriveau's resolution reads, in part: The state of Michigan and its citizens are in the midst of difficult economic times, and the appropriation of any more funds by the state for a repeat of the January 15, 2008, election would be fiscally irresponsible. State and local government will not pay for a re-do election.
"Michigan is struggling to get back on track, and using public money to pay for a second primary is out of the question," Corriveau said. "All of our efforts must be focused on creating good-paying jobs for our residents and rebuilding our economy – that's the bottom line."