Kid Rock May Not Be Allowed to Use Stage Name on Michigan Ballot

Musician Kid Rock, an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, may not be allowed to use his stage name to run for senator next year in Michigan, Roll Call reported Monday.

Robert Ritchie in mid-July hinted at a Senate run in 2018, saying the "Kid Rock for Senate" website was real, but Michigan Bureau of Elections staff would first need to research whether his stage name would be allowed on the ballot.

Roll Call says it doesn't look like it according to Michigan law, because candidates may not use a "nickname that is not a recognized diminutive of the candidate's given name or middle name."

The "Kid Rock For Senate" website shows a photo of Ritchie, with the caption, "Are you scared?" Behind Ritchie on a curtain are the words, "Made in Detroit." The performer still needs to submit enough valid signatures to make the ballot, though.

If he does run, Kid Rock will likely challenge Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who said she welcomes the challenge.

I know we both share a love of music. I concede he's better at playing guitar and I'll keep doing what I do best: fighting for Michigan. https://t.co/CUaGqPu7AB

— Debbie Stabenow (@stabenow) July 12, 2017

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