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Judge is asked to move up special election for Conyers seat

Critics say going nearly a year without a member of Congress in the 13th District is unconstitutional.
Credit: STEFAN ZAKLIN, EPA
(File) U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan) is seen on Capitol Hill on July 25, 2007.

A judge is hearing arguments in a lawsuit that challenges the 11-month gap between U.S. Rep. John Conyers' resignation and a special election to fill the seat.

Critics say going nearly a year without a member of Congress in the 13th District is unconstitutional. A Democratic candidate, Michael Gilmore, is asking federal Judge Mark Goldsmith to order an election as soon as possible. Arguments are scheduled for Thursday.

Gov. Rick Snyder set a special election for Nov. 6. The winner would serve until January.

There will be a separate race on the fall ballot for a regular two-year term.

Conyers, a Detroit Democrat, suddenly quit on Dec. 5. He cited health reasons, but the 88-year-old was also accused of sexual harassment. He denied the allegations.

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