LIVONIA, Mich. – A former Detroit-area congressman says it was "shocking" to learn that he didn't have enough petition signatures to qualify for the 2012 election.
Thaddeus McCotter, a Republican from Livonia, testified Thursday for the defense in the case against two high-ranking staffers who are charged with conspiracy and other crimes in submitting phony petitions to qualify McCotter for the August Republican primary.
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McCotter has not been charged, although Judge Sean Kavanagh told him he had the right to remain silent.
--Former McCotter staffers who are charged
He testified that he was repeatedly told by aides that he had enough signatures to run again.
READ: AG Office McCotter investigation report
READ: McCotter fraud examples
McCotter resigns following signature snafu
The republican turned in 2,000 signatures on May 15, but a review found many of the signatures were duplicates and out of date. Only a couple hundred appeared valid.
He needed 1,000.
After he was told he wouldn't make the August primary ballot because of the failed requirement, McCotter had initially said he would run as a write-in candidate. But he announced his resignation in July.
The Republican from Livonia had served five terms in the 11th Congressional District.