The Michigan House of Representatives voted 98-8 Thursday to pass a resolution encouraging Rep. Larry Inman (R-Traverse City) to resign from his position. If Inman does not resign, he could face further disciplinary action, according to House Resolution 115.
“Inman’s pattern of conduct, including both the actions alleged in the indictment and numerous public statements made afterward, has drawn ridicule and disgrace to the state of Michigan and the Michigan House of Representatives, shaking the public trust and confidence in this legislative body, staining the honor, dignity and integrity of the House, and distracting from the serious policy issues and debates before this body,” the resolution said.
A grand jury in May indicted Inman for extortion, bribery and lying to an agent of the FBI. He allegedly tried to solicit money from the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCCM) in exchange for voting no on repealing the state’s prevailing wage law.
This law, which required many public work projects to have union work rates, was ultimately repealed. Inman voted yes on this bill after the union did not give him money.
As The Michigan Star previously reported this month, new texts support the notion that the representative tried to sell his vote.
Inman faces a max sentence of 35 years in prison if convicted of these charges.
Inman’s lawyer told the Detroit Free Press that calls for the representative to resign prevent him from having a fair trial.
“It’s troubling that the House has moved forward without allowing Inman to fully air his position in a court of law,” Chris Cooke said. “He’s presumed innocent and now it’s all over the media that the House has acted on this and the way the resolution is framed is extremely prejudicial.”
Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield and Democratic House Leader Christine Greig introduced House Resolution 115 in June, but the resolution was postponed as the representative checked into rehab for opioid use.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Battleground State News. Follow Zachery on Twitter.
Background Photo “Michigan Representative House Floor” by Steve & Christine.
