U.S. Rep John James, viewed by some as the front-runner in the race for the GOP nomination to be Michigan's next governor, won't participate Wednesday night in the primary campaign's first debate, organized by the state Republican Party.

James spokeswoman Hannah Osantowske issued a statement about four hours before doors were scheduled to open for the event in Sparta, contending that polling and fundraising numbers indicated the congressman from Shelby Township was "the favorite to become Michigan's next governor."

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