Second former political leader gets probation

PONTIAC (AP) -- A judge has sentenced the former political director of the Oakland County Democratic Party to probation for forging documents and fraudulently entering candidates under a third party. Oakland County Circuit Court Judge James Alexander sentenced Jason Bauer to one year's probation Wednesday. It follows last month's sentencing of co-defendant Michael McGuinness, the local party's former chairman. Both quit their posts in 2010 and pleaded no contest late last year. The goal apparently was to confuse voters and take votes from Republican candidates in some local races in 2010. The so-called Independent Tea Party candidates didn't know their names were being used. Published: Fri, Jan 13, 2012