State Board Passes on ‘Little House’ Star Election Controversy

It looks like “Little House on the Prairie” child star Melissa Gilbert’s name won’t appear in the Democratic column on the Nov. 8 general election ballot for Michigan’s 8th congressional district.

Gilbert, of Howell, abruptly withdrew from the race against U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Rochester, in May, citing pain from a years-old neck and head injuries. State Election Director Chris Thomas, a Democrat, made a decision to allow Suzanna Shkreli, an assistant county prosecutor in Macomb County from Clarkston, to replace Gilbert.

When Gilbert withdrew, it was too late to replace her on the Aug. 2 primary ballot, where she was unopposed and won the Democratic nomination.

In a letter to Democratic Party Chairman Brandon Dillon, Thomas wrote that “under Michigan’s election law, a congressional candidate may withdraw after having won the party’s nomination by notifying the party that he or she has become physically unfit,” the Detroit Free Press reported.

Jason Hanselman and Gary Gordon, lawyers for the Michigan Republican Party, said Thomas had acted unilaterally and said Gilbert, who underwent surgery for neck and back problems earlier this month, hadn’t “adequately proved that she would be physically unfit to serve in Congress,” the Detroit Free Press reported.

The lawyers said the matter should be decided by the Board of State Canvassers, but the board declined to act at a meeting in Lansing Monday, WDIV-TV reported.

It’s unclear if Republicans will appeal the decision, the Free Press said. A spokesperson for the state party told the newspaper state party officials were “exploring our options and haven’t ruled anything out.”

Dillon said the decision from the Board of State Canvassers was expected.

“The law was already clear, but we’re pleased with the Board of Canvassers’ decision today to confirm for Michigan Republicans that the people of Michigan’s 8th Congressional District deserve to have a choice on Election Day,” he told the Free Press.

The 8th District encompasses parts of Oakland, Livingston and Ingham counties.

Shkreli faces an uphill climb in the race against Bishop in the Republican-leaning district, and may have trouble attracting celebrity donors, as Gilbert did.

“I think this election is different,” Shkreli told the Free Press. “It’s a different year. … I’m not focused on how it (the district) leans (politically), I’m focused on getting out there and talking to voters.”

Images: Suzanna Shkreli, left, via Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, and Melissa Gilbert official campaign photo