LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Two freshmen tea party lawmakers who set out to shake up Michigan’s Capitol succeeded in a way no one could have imagined.
On Tuesday, the state House will hold a rare disciplinary hearing that could lead to the expulsion of Reps. Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat over their extramarital affair and an attempt to cover it up.
The Legislature is under pressure to fix Michigan’s roads, but the scandal threatens to overshadow policy issues as lawmakers return from summer recess.
Legislators say the scandal has given the Legislature a black eye, and many, including constituents, think the pair should resign.
But expelling state lawmakers is extremely rare. It’s only happened about 30 times across the country in the last century.
At least two hearings are planned in the coming week.