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| State Rep. Cindy Gamrat |
By Brandon Hall
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)
In a Facebook statement Saturday night, State Rep. Cindy Gamrat says she is looking forward to seeing the allegations made against her by Speaker Kevin Cotter, and subsequently, rejoining the Michigan House GOP Caucus after issues are hashed out. Gamrat was removed from the caucus Thursday by the Speaker for what he claims are a "series" of incidents..
"I have tremendous respect and appreciation for my colleagues and although we may not agree on all the issues, I have not leaked confidential conversations from caucus," Gamrat said.
She continues:
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| Speaker Kevin Cotter |
I understand that the burdens and responsibilities of leadership can be difficult at times, and I am now keenly aware that most of Lansing is not quite sure how to handle a Representative that is elected from the grassroots who leads and advocates on positions. Yet, in the spirit of humility and grace, I am confident that Speaker Cotter will take a reasonable and right course of action by bringing these accusations and the evidence to my attention, so that we may have an honest discussion in which I am given the opportunity to clear my name with colleagues and constituents."
Gamrat expects to rejoin the caucus, and vowed to continue working hard for the 80th District.
"As I await my reinstatement back into caucus, I will continue to serve and work hard for the 80th District and for the families and businesses of Michigan. I will continue to stand resolved for life, lower taxes, free markets, freedom in health care, local control of education, our 2nd Amendment, less government in our lives, individual liberty and personal responsibility."
Gamrat's full statement:
"When
I was elected and sworn in just a few months ago, I stepped into the
House Chamber for the first time with optimism and awe, excited to roll
up my sleeves and fight for the values of life and liberty that I
campaigned on for the people of my district and our state. As a brand
new legislator, I looked forward to the lively debates and working in
the trenches together with my fellow colleagues to find solutions that
Michigan can be proud of on the issues we face.
The term started with the House doing some great work in making cuts in spending to balance our budget and passing pro-2nd Amendment legislation, while at the same time I found my footing and co-sponsored and entered my first bills on life, conscience protection, congressional district allocation, eliminating handgun registration, and others. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and working with my colleagues, and the camaraderie we share, even though at times I am the only “No” vote in appropriations committee or on a different side of the issue, such as my "No" position on Prop 1.
I have worked hard at the same time to communicate with the voters in my district by posting my votes and daily activities on Facebook, as well as sending out periodic emails called Cindy’s Inside Scoop. It has been a priority for me to be thoughtful and considerate of my colleagues, but yet to stand resolved on the issues important to my district while at the same time demonstrating a high level of transparency that I ran on and believe Michigan citizens deserve in their government.
Yesterday, I became aware through reading a media article that I am being accused of “a series of incidents, of leaking confidential discussions among GOP lawmakers”. I was shocked and of course very disappointed to hear about these false accusations, as no one has brought such charges to my attention publicly or privately during these alleged "series of incidents".
I have tremendous respect and appreciation for my colleagues and although we may not agree on all the issues, I have not leaked confidential conversations from caucus. My posts on Facebook focus on issues and legislation that have already been passed, have been discussed with constituents, have been discussed with other legislators outside of caucus, or that I am considering.
I understand that the burdens and responsibilities of leadership can be difficult at times, and I am now keenly aware that most of Lansing is not quite sure how to handle a Representative that is elected from the grassroots who leads and advocates on positions. Yet, in the spirit of humility and grace, I am confident that Speaker Cotter will take a reasonable and right course of action by bringing these accusations and the evidence to my attention, so that we may have an honest discussion in which I am given the opportunity to clear my name with colleagues and constituents.
My faith provides me with a peace and confidence that God is in control and working something out with this situation for His own purposes. I have not lost my optimism, enthusiasm, or belief that each person can make a difference and that we are all here for such a time as this, to serve in the places where God has us to reach those around us, even if at times it may not be pretty or look like we thought it would. I would like to thank all of you who have messaged, texted, and called me through these last few days with your encouragement and prayers, it has really meant a lot to me.
As I await my reinstatement back into caucus, I will continue to serve and work hard for the 80th District and for the families and businesses of Michigan. I will continue to stand resolved for life, lower taxes, free markets, freedom in health care, local control of education, our 2nd Amendment, less government in our lives, individual liberty and personal responsibility. May God cover and direct us as we work through these trials that come our way!
With firm Reliance on Divine Providence,
Cindy"
The term started with the House doing some great work in making cuts in spending to balance our budget and passing pro-2nd Amendment legislation, while at the same time I found my footing and co-sponsored and entered my first bills on life, conscience protection, congressional district allocation, eliminating handgun registration, and others. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and working with my colleagues, and the camaraderie we share, even though at times I am the only “No” vote in appropriations committee or on a different side of the issue, such as my "No" position on Prop 1.
I have worked hard at the same time to communicate with the voters in my district by posting my votes and daily activities on Facebook, as well as sending out periodic emails called Cindy’s Inside Scoop. It has been a priority for me to be thoughtful and considerate of my colleagues, but yet to stand resolved on the issues important to my district while at the same time demonstrating a high level of transparency that I ran on and believe Michigan citizens deserve in their government.
Yesterday, I became aware through reading a media article that I am being accused of “a series of incidents, of leaking confidential discussions among GOP lawmakers”. I was shocked and of course very disappointed to hear about these false accusations, as no one has brought such charges to my attention publicly or privately during these alleged "series of incidents".
I have tremendous respect and appreciation for my colleagues and although we may not agree on all the issues, I have not leaked confidential conversations from caucus. My posts on Facebook focus on issues and legislation that have already been passed, have been discussed with constituents, have been discussed with other legislators outside of caucus, or that I am considering.
I understand that the burdens and responsibilities of leadership can be difficult at times, and I am now keenly aware that most of Lansing is not quite sure how to handle a Representative that is elected from the grassroots who leads and advocates on positions. Yet, in the spirit of humility and grace, I am confident that Speaker Cotter will take a reasonable and right course of action by bringing these accusations and the evidence to my attention, so that we may have an honest discussion in which I am given the opportunity to clear my name with colleagues and constituents.
My faith provides me with a peace and confidence that God is in control and working something out with this situation for His own purposes. I have not lost my optimism, enthusiasm, or belief that each person can make a difference and that we are all here for such a time as this, to serve in the places where God has us to reach those around us, even if at times it may not be pretty or look like we thought it would. I would like to thank all of you who have messaged, texted, and called me through these last few days with your encouragement and prayers, it has really meant a lot to me.
As I await my reinstatement back into caucus, I will continue to serve and work hard for the 80th District and for the families and businesses of Michigan. I will continue to stand resolved for life, lower taxes, free markets, freedom in health care, local control of education, our 2nd Amendment, less government in our lives, individual liberty and personal responsibility. May God cover and direct us as we work through these trials that come our way!
With firm Reliance on Divine Providence,
Cindy"
>>>Read more about the situation below:
#StandWithCindy: Justin Amash Defends Cindy Gamrat On Twitter
Source: Planned Parenthood Reference Prompted Gamrat Purge, Cotter Will Invite Her Back
TARGETED? Email Shows Cindy Gamrat's Facebook Post Was At Worst An Honest Mistake
Gamrat Booted Over Facebook Post
Breaking: Cindy Gamrat Kicked Out Of GOP Caucus
_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
>>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com
Facebook
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
>>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com
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| Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson |
This is ridiculous. Rep Gamrat is one of the few people in Lansing actually representing the views of her district. From what I've seen, she spends her time and energy busily going about the task of fulfilling the promises she made in getting elected. I would have expected better from Mr. Cotter. He apparently knew how to "talk the talk" to get elected to his high position. Unfortunately, he stumbles badly when it comes time to "walk the walk". Typical Lansing bait and switch.He should be ashamed
ReplyDeleteEvidently she is spending her time doing more than "fulfilling the promises she made in getting elected like filling Todd Coursers sexual fantasy's.
ReplyDelete"Michigan House Rep. Todd Courser was caught on tape giving instructions to an aide to send out an email under a false name describing Courser as a “bisexual porn addicted sexual deviant” who had been removed from the Republican caucus “due to male-on-male paid for sex.” The purpose of the email, a version of which was sent out the following two days after the tape-recorded conversation with aide Ben Graham, was apparently to preempt anticipated revelations by an unnamed third party about a relationship between Courser and Rep. Cindy Gamrat. The idea seemed to be that the false claims would look like a baseless personal attack, the incendiary nature of which would forestall real scandal."
What would Jesus do ... indeed.