State Representative Larry Inman returned to the state Capitol in Lansing on Tuesday. It was the first time he attended a House session since his colleagues adopted a formal request for Inman to resign as he faces federal bribery and extortion charges. It’s alleged he tried to trade votes for campaign donations.
However, Inman says he was absent seeking treatment for opioid addiction. He says fellow lawmakers should display compassion for someone who’s struggled with addiction to painkillers that began after a series of surgeries. Inman also says the House should let the legal process play out before making decisions about whether should keep his job.
“In my mind I did nothing wrong,” he said, “and what we need to do is to go through the legal process to make that final determination.”
Inman deflected questions on whether the addiction effected his judgment or played a role in a text message back-and-forth where he pressed a union lobbyist for campaign money to help Republicans who faced a difficult vote.
A resolution adopted by the entire House asks Inman to quit. The state House Republican majority has also voted him out of its private caucuses, and taken away his office and staff. But Inman says he still considers himself a Republican.
“I was elected Republican, uh, from the citizens of Grand Traverse County and I’m here to fulfill my obligation.”
Inman says he hopes to talk at some point with House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering). A spokesman for the Republican leader says Chatfield continues to believe Inman should step down.
“It’s the right thing to do for the people he represents, the people of the state of Michigan, and the House of Representatives as a whole,” said House GOP spokesman Gideon D’Assandro.
The House has not taken the further step of expulsion proceedings, but that has not been ruled out.
