Schmidt party-switch probe extended

Associated Press

By Dave Eggert, Associated Press

Updated: Feb 27, 2013 5:25 PM

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A grand jury has extended an investigation into whether to charge anyone with crimes in a Grand Rapid lawmaker's party switch.

Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina is the lone grand juror in the probe that also involves the role of Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger. Her office on Wednesday released an order extending the investigation until August at the request of investigators.

Rep. Roy Schmidt's switch to the GOP last May came under scrutiny when he offered money to a political novice to run as a Democrat against him. Democrats say Bolger possibly conspired to obstruct justice, though a Kent County prosecutor said no crimes were committed.

Ingham County judges agreed to Democrats' grand jury request last August.

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