LANSING (WHTC) – The speaker of the state House is calling for an investigation into allegations a local lawmaker and a second representative used their offices and staff in an apparent attempt to cover up a personal relationship. Speaker Kevin Cotter Friday said he would ask the non-partisan House Business Office to look into alleged violations of House rules involving Representatives Cindy Gamrat of Plainwell and Todd Courser of Lapeer. The Detroit News reports this morning that Courser planned to distribute a fictional e-mail alleging he had sex with a male prostitute in an effort to conceal his relationship with Gamrat. The report said the two lawmakers consolidated their offices, and have three aides working for them. Gamrat and Courser’s political alliance dates back to 2013, when Courser narrowly missed winning the chairmanship of the Michigan Republican Party and Gamrat was running for vice chairwoman.
-Greg Chandler