Freedom Fund Files Criminal Complaint against Michael Notte over Candidate’s False Incumbency Claims
Macomb County Candidate for State Representative Busted Using Campaign Sign that Falsely Claims Incumbency, in Violation of Election Law
MT. CLEMENS, MI, October 21, 2016 – Michigan Freedom Fund Executive Director Tony Daunt today filed a criminal complaint with the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office against Michael Notte, a candidate for state Representative from Shelby Township. Notte was caught red handed using campaign signs that falsely use an incumbency designation in violation of the criminal provisions of the Michigan Election Code.
Notte posted a photo on his campaign’s Facebook account showing the candidate himself smiling, holding up a campaign sign that suggests he is the “State Representative.”
Notte is a candidate in Michigan’s 30th House District, which includes parts of Sterling Heights and Shelby Township, and all of Utica. Contrary to Notte’s assertions, the District is currently represented by state Rep. Jeff Farrington.
According to MCL 168.944 Sec. 944:
“Any person who advertises or uses in any campaign material, including radio, television, newspapers, circulars, cards, or stationery, the words incumbent, re-elect, re-election, or otherwise indicates, represents, or gives the impression that a candidate for public office is the incumbent, when in fact the candidate is not the incumbent, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in section 934.”
“No one is above the law, not even Michael Notte,” wrote Daunt in his complaint. “Macomb County deserves better than Notte’s dirty tricks and struggle with the truth. State law is clear – Michael Notte’s blatant violation of the criminal provisions of the election code must be punished.”
Michigan Freedom Fund is a nonprofit organization run by Michiganders for Michiganders, working to advance, promote, and protect Michigan workers’ Constitutional rights. For more information, please visit www.MichiganFreedomFund.com.
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