in july 2005, the michigan state board of canvassers declined to certify the mcri proposal for michigan's november 2006 ballot after hearing allegations that a significant number of signatures were obtained by telling supporters of affirmative action that the petition was likewise, in support of affirmative action. counter-allegations were made by mcri supporters that the allegations were fabricated and that the board of canvassers' decision-process itself was being improperly influenced by politics because michigan democratic party chairman mark brewer was "giving orders" to the two democrat-appointed members of the board, and backed up by the linked videotape shot by mcri treasurer and publisher chetly zarko. despite the deadlocked vote by the canvassers and their inability to certify the petition as a result, in october of the same year the michigan court of appeals ordered the board to certify the petitions.