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Dems want rule change to avoid confusing voters

By AP

LANSING, MI –

Michigan Democratic Chairman Mark Brewer says Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is creating "partisan mischief" by putting President Barack Obama's name on the Feb. 28 presidential primary ballot.

Michigan Democrats plan to nominate their candidate at a May 5 caucus, so votes for Obama in the primary won't count. The election will let Republicans pick their favorite.

Brewer told reporters Thursday that anyone who votes for Obama in the primary wouldn't be able to vote in the caucus under national and state party rules.

He plans to ask the state Democratic governing board to change to rules so voters won't be disenfranchised.

Under a new GOP-passed law, Obama's name can't be removed from the ballot.

A request for comment left Thursday with Johnson spokeswoman Gisgie Gendreau wasn't immediately returned.

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