Former Presidential Candidate Thad McCotter Ends Write-In Campaign for Congressional Seat

“To those who [are] unhappy at this news, I’m sorry; to those happy at this news, you’re welcome,” the five-term Michigan Republican said humorously in a statement Saturday.

Politico continues:

McCotter failed to get on the ballot after it was revealed that his campaign did not turn in the necessary 1,000 signatures.

McCotter requested an investigation after the Michigan secretary of state’s office revealed that although 2,000 signatures were turned in, there were not 1,000 valid signatures included. Many appeared to be copies.

The one-time GOP policy chair had earlier promised to run for reelection with a write-in campaign. But he was considered to be an outside contender when, before the controversy, he would have been a certainty to regain his seat.

The congressman was subject to widespread sniping about how he failed to gather the signatures.

"One can’t clean up a mess multitasking. Honoring my promise to the sovereign people of our community only allows me to finish the official duties of my present Congressional term; and aid the State Attorney General criminal investigation that I requested into identifying the person or persons who concocted the fraudulent petitions that have cost me so dearly..."

“Honoring this promise does not allow me to continue a political write-in campaign. This decision is final, regardless of how swiftly the investigation is concluded.”