Bezotte argues he always intended to return home in appeal
LIVINGSTON COUNTY — In a letter to County Clerk Elizabeth Hundley, 50th District Rep. Bob Bezotte requested a reconsideration of her decision to disqualify him from the August ballot.
"The text and spirit of the law is clear, and this challenge is an unnecessary distraction for our county," Bezotte wrote in a statement emailed by his lawyer, Michael Pattwell of Clark Hill. "It is well past time for Livingston County to fix this mistake, and let us all get back to the important work of serving the people."
Bezotte is currently serving his second term. Following a divorce filing from his wife that alleged physical and emotional abuse, Bezotte said he wouldn't run again in 2024, endorsing two other Republican candidates — Jason Woolford and Kristina Lyke. Bezotte has denied the allegations.
In April, shortly before the filing deadline, he announced he would run after all.
Days later, local attorney Dan Wholihan — who is married to Lyke — filed a complaint alongside a signed affidavit from Bezotte's estranged wife Shelia, alleging Bezotte falsified his home address on his Affidavit of Identity.
On the AOI, he listed the home he owns with his wife as his residence, despite not living there since the end of December, according to Shelia's affidavit. His mailing address was listed as his daughter’s home, which is still within the 50th District.
State election law MCL 168.11 Sec. 11 defines a "residence" as "that place at which a person habitually sleeps, keeps his or her personal effects, and had regular place of lodging.
"If a person has more than one residence, or if a person has a residence separate from that of his or her spouse, that place at which the person resides the greater part of the time shall be his or her official residence for the purposes of this act."
The deadline to file for the August ballot has already passed. The Michigan Bureau of Elections plans to meet May 31.
In the letter, Pattwell cites online property records, the bank mortgage, and Bezotte’s credit union paperwork.
“There is no dispute that (Bezotte) either resides at his long-term residence or, as alleged by Mr. Wholihan, at his daughter’s home a few miles away,” Pattwell wrote.
“Notably, and in complete transparency to the voters of the 50th District, Representative Bezotte listed both addresses on his Affidavit of Identity; his longtime residence to which he intends to return as his residential address and his daughter’s home at which he is temporarily staying during the separation proceedings as his mailing address.”
In her affidavit, Shelia said she feared Bezotte intended to re-enter the marital home at some point.
Pattwell claims Hundley acted outside of her legal power in responding to the complaint.
“The complaint attempts to seize advantage by exploiting a private marital matter and impishly contains an affidavit of (Bezotte's) wife of 52 years, Shelia,” Pattwell wrote.
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“Once your office ventured beyond its statutory authority, it made clear errors of fact and law. Contrary to the finding of your office, (Bezotte's) long-term residence is still his 'residential address' and his Affidavit of Identify was truthful."
Pattwell further argues Bezotte has maintained his intention to return to the home throughout divorce proceedings, and still keeps “nearly all of his personal effects" there. His personal documents — like his driver’s license, registration, insurance and voter registration — are still connected to the home, Pattwell said.
Hundley did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Bezotte argues he always intended to return home in appeal
