Appeals Ct: Tea Party can't make ballot

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Court of Appeals has decided a group calling itself "The Tea Party" doesn't qualify for the Nov. 2 ballot because it didn't correctly show the party name on petitions.

Republicans and tea party activists say "The Tea Party" that has nominated nearly two dozen candidates is a fake aimed at hurting them by drawing away votes from Republicans. They've been fighting the group's efforts to get on the ballot.

The court released its decision Monday. It says the word "the" was not in 24-point bold face type on the petitions as required by law.

A message seeking comment was left for the lawyer representing the "The Tea Party."

A lawyer for the opposition says he's waiting to see if "The Tea Party" appeals to the Michigan Supreme Court.