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Write-In Candidate Could Win 11th District

LIVONIA (WWJ) -  State Sen. Nancy Cassis, one of three certified write-in candidates in the Republican primary for the 11th Congressional District, is the clear front-runner in the race.

A write-in candidate who could win? It doesn't happen often.

"This is one of our greatest freedoms in the United States - to be able to have a free, open election and a write-in campaign is perfectly within constitutional legality," said Cassis.

Cassis is facing Kerry Bentivolio, along with other certified write-in candidates including former state Sen. Loren Bennett and Drexel Morton, both of Canton.

The 11 District seat was held by Thaddeus McCotter, and it encompasses parts of western Wayne and Oakland counties.

The only name that appears on the ballot belongs to Bentivolio, of Milford -- but pollsters believe Cassis could overcome the fact people have to physically write in her name at the ballot box.

Cassis has the nod from the state's Republican machine, getting endorsements from many GOP leaders to take the seat held by U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter. McCotter dropped out after it was discovered his campaign submitted false  signatures in support of his re-election bid.

Cassis is relying on a catchy jingle: "Nothing fancy, write in Nancy."

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