MichiganRadio

More allegations, questions about Tea Party candidates PONTIAC, MI (Michigan Radio) - Questions about the legitimacy of a so-called Michigan "Tea Party" continue to swirl.

Officials in Oakland County today announced Wednesday they're looking into possible criminal charges against a man they say filed fraudulent papers for a "Tea Party" candidate.

They say there's a "strong case" against Jason Bauer, a former employee with the Oakland County Democratic Party.

Bauer allegedly notarized and filed fraudulent candidate papers for questionable "Tea Party" candidates. He was forced to resign his job last week.

Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson says she turned three "fake Tea party candidate filings" over to law enforcement, including the FBI.

"There are irregularities in signatures and tough questions that must be asked about the notarization of those signatures," Johnson says. "Especially after one of the candidates said he never signed anything seeking office under the Tea Party banner."

There's a court battle looming over whether to designate the Tea Party on the November ballot.

Republicans say some Democrats are behind this Tea Party to divide Republican votes.
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