Ballot Hopeful

Organizers say they expect to have enough signatures to get a proposal on the Michigan ballot that would reduce the number of state lawmakers and appellate judges. The proposal would cut the pay of legislators, judges, the governor and other elected officials. It also would reduce partisanship in drawing legislative districts and cap the number of state departments. A spokeswoman for Reform Michigan Government Now says it expects to turn in more than 380,000 valid signatures by Monday's deadline. Republicans say it's an attempt by Democrats to control the courts by tossing out Republican judges.