UPDATE: Michael Brown withdraws from Michigan gubernatorial race

IRON RIVER, Mich. (WLUC) - UPDATE: Amid a campaign swing in Upper Michigan and learning that he and four other candidates did not file enough qualifying petition signatures, Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate Michael Brown has decided to immediately withdraw from the race, according to a press release.

Brown says he has informed his family, friends, and tireless campaign staff, and will be contacting all of his supporters. Brown issued the following statement:

“It appears that after my campaign’s signature gathering was complete, individuals independently contracted for a portion of our signature gathering and validation jumped onto other campaigns and went on a money grab. They were involved in allegedly fraudulent signature gathering activities with these campaigns causing the Michigan Bureau of Elections to declare all of the signatures connected to those individuals as invalid. I cannot and will not be associated with this activity. We built this campaign on common sense conservative principles with a positive message of prosperity, safety, and respect for all the citizens of Michigan. The countless hours, miles, conversations, and tireless effort will not be in vain as I continue to fight for the future of Michigan. I have made many tough decisions for the right reasons over my life. This is a painful but necessary decision I make decisively because that’s what the citizens deserve. During my years in the Marine Corps and 34 years in the Michigan State Police each assignment has been about serving the citizens. I will exit the race for Michigan’s Governor with my integrity and this principle intact. Thank you Michigan.”

Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Michael Brown visited with supporters in Iron River Monday.

This is the second stop for Brown on his week-long tour of the U.P. Some of the issues he addressed with his supporters include; adding a new economic zone in the U.P., lowering income tax to 3.25 percent after his first term, and addressing public safety downstate.

Brown is a 33-year veteran captain with the Michigan State Police in Southwest Michigan. He is one of 10 republicans battling for the nomination in August.

“What sets me apart is I have real experience. I have been leading people for decades. I lead 200 people on a daily basis in a challenging environment in public safety,” said Brown. “I am a Captain in the [Michigan] State Police. Plus, I have been elected before, twice as a Republican. So, I am undefeated, I will be undefeated in August, and in November.”

Brown will be in Marquette through Friday, where he will speak with the media and attend a forum. He will then travel to Traverse City for a debate on Saturday in preparation for the August primaries.