Disgraced Lawmakers Todd Courser, Cindy Gamrat To Run For Old Seats Despite Sex Scandal

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Embattled lawmakers Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat say we haven't seen the last of them yet.

Despite being embroiled in a sexual scandal that also left them under a criminal investigation by Michigan State Police, both lawmakers say they plan to run for their old seats.

Courser resigned last week, as the Michigan House debated overnight whether to expel him and fellow tea party Republican Gamrat.

"He has decided yes, he wants to run and he has the blessing of his wife to do it," said WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick. "In fact, he quotes her as saying 'The people haven't had an opportunity to weigh in on this.' He quotes his wife, 'It's the wrong way that they did it and they need to hear about your votes and the good work you did for them in the State House.' And so with the blessing of his wife, Todd Courser is running along with eight other candidates from the Lapeer area."

Gamrat was expelled. She's also running for her old seat.

"People are saying, 'How can she run for office if she was expelled?' But state law is very clear -- she can, end of story," said Skubick. "So, unless she withdraws her name, and she has three days to do that after Friday's filing deadline, she's in this race against a bunch of other Republicans and eventually a Democrat."

Courser, 43, of Lapeer in Michigan's Thumb region, admitted sending an "outlandish" phony email to GOP activists and others in May claiming he was caught with a male prostitute. The email was intended to make his affair with the 42-year-old Gamrat appear less believable if it were exposed by an anonymous blackmailer who Courser said was demanding his resignation.

The primary will be Nov. 3 in the Republican-heavy districts. The special election will be held March 8.

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