Politics & Government

Lawmaker Ousted in Sex Scandal Wants to Replace Herself

Todd Courser has until Friday to decide if he will file to get his job back in a special election.

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In the latest twist in a bizarre sex scandal, disgraced former lawmaker Cindy Gamrat filed papers Thursday to run for the seat left open with her expulsion from the Michigan House of Representatives last week.

“She filed just after 2 p.m.,” Allegan County Clerk Joyce Watts told the Detroit Free Press.

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“I’ve always maintained that I thought the decision should be up to the voters,” not the Legislature, Gamrat told The Detroit News. “I think that they ought to have a voice in this matter.”

The Plainwell Republican, who was ousted from the House at 4 a.m. Friday after she was caught in a sex and cover-up scandal with now former state Rep. Todd Courser, will face at least five other Republican candidates seeking the 80th House District seat in the Nov. 3 special primary election.

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They include Republican Mary Whiteford, who narrowly lost to Gamrat in the 2014 election, and Bill Sage, Shannon Szukala and Kevin Travis. Allegan County Commissioner Jim Story is also reportedly interested in filling the vacancy.

A crowded field could split the ”anyone but Cindy” vote, Allegan County Republican Party chairman Steve McNeal told the Free Press.

“We knew this was a possibility because everybody knew this was a great opportunity,” he said. “Everybody would look at it and say all I need is $100 if I’m a Republican or not to get into this race.”

Courser, who resigned his District 82 seat in Lapeer County before an expected vote to expel him, said his plans are less clear. He told WKAR’s “Off the Record” that the “most important thing is making sure it’s the right decision for my family.”

His wife would have veto power over whatever decision he reaches, the Lapeer County Republican said. If he does seek the seat and wins, he would be the first Michigan lawmaker to resign his seat and come back to succeed.

The deadline to file for both districts is 4 p.m. Friday. The general election to fill the two seats will be held on March 8.

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