Lansing On Edge As Affairs And Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark State Legislator Resignations Nationwide

By Brandon Hall
(Email Him At WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

As allegations of affairs, sexual harassment, and assault hound prominent politicians, celebrities, and journalists across the country on what seems to be a daily basis , there can be no doubt that some in Lansing are on edge. After all, there is no shortage of legislators who are one tweet or story away from resignation.

WMP has received reports of allegedly inappropriate behavior by lawmakers from both parties, and an investigation is underway. It's a sensitive issue that must be handled carefully...

One only has to look to other states to see why some may be worried.

In Florida, the state's top Senate Democrat resigned after being busted having an affair with a lobbyist. The Florida Democratic Party Chair also resigned after repeatedly making inappropriate comments, giving women creepy looks, and keeping a stress ball in the shape of a boob on his desk that he would often play with.

In California, a top Dem Assemblyman has resigned from leadership and won't run for re-election as multiple other members are trying to weather sexual harassment claims...

In Ohio, a Republican State House member is out after sending explicit, unsolicited messages to dozens of guys. He was busted in his office getting busy with one of them... He was also trying to get someone to have sex with his wife. 

In Minnesota, a prominent Democrat Senator resigned after a fellow lawmaker said he repeatedly sexually harassed her.

As the flood of allegations continues to rage, it's important to remember that accusations are not evidence. Each situation must be examined differently, there is no cookie cutter judgment process in complicated situations, which these often are. Some cases are clear cut, many are not. The only thing that is certain is that we have not seen the end of this.

Also: one is left to wonder if Speaker Cotter, in the current environment, would have been able to get away with spending nearly $100,000 to cover up for State Rep. Brian Banks after the sexual assault of a staffer a couple years ago. (The Detroit area Democrat resigned for unrelated issues, but is a leading contender for a State Senate seat in Wayne County.)

Stay tuned!

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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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