EAST LANSING, Mich. -- State Rep. Cindy Gamrat, R-Plainwell, announced Friday that she would not resign amidst allegations of an extramarital affair with Rep. Todd Courser.
During a press conference at Abood Law Firm, 246 E. Saginaw Hwy in East Lansing, the Allegan County representative apologized for her conduct but says she has not broken any state laws or rules. She believes an "open and honest investigation" will vindicate her.
Gamrat and Courser, R-Lapeer, have been under fire since news broke Friday of their alleged affair and the bizarre attempt to cover it up. Audio recordings obtained by the Detroit News show Courser was apparently planning to distribute a fictional email alleging he had sex with a male prostitute in order to hide his relationship with Gamrat.
Gamrat said during the press conference that she had no knowledge of that email. The freshman lawmakers and tea party conservative favorites are also being investigated by the House Business Office to determine whether they used taxpayer money and resources in their effort to cover up the alleged affair.
Gamrat said she plans to return to work next week.
Meanwhile, others formerly involved with Gamrat and Courser are preparing responses.
Joshua Cline, a former aide to Courser and Gamrat who has been accused in the blackmail scheme will hold a press conference Monday from a law firm in Royal Oak.
Keith Allard, a former aide to Gamrat who was fired recently says:
"I look forward to cooperating with any investigation to ensure that taxpayers are protected and faith in our institutions can be restored. Most important, an investigation will reveal the truth. There is absolutely no truth to the accusations against me by Mrs. Gamrat, as will be proven."
