Michigan: Escanaba Councilman facing recall efforts over comments

Escanaba Councilman Ralph Blasier is facing a recall petition after making comments about shooting rioters at a council meeting about a July 4 parade, though he clearly does seem to have been joking.

Petitioners need 1218 signatures and must collect them in a 60 day timeframe, though that could be anytime in the next 180 days. To get on the November ballot, they must be handed in by July 28.

Update: The recall failed, with petitioners claiming they got half the needed signatures.