Hot Lansing Nights for Tea Partiers Come to an End
September 17, 2015 7:39 PM Subscribe
Michigan State Representatives Todd Courser (82nd District) and Cindy Gamrat (80th District) were close allies. Tea Partiers from opposite sides of the state, they shared an office and staff, and when Gamrat was expelled from the Republican caucus for posting inside information on Facebook, Courser posted a 3,300-word defense of her. You know how this is going to turn out -- the married-to-other-people family-values Representatives were having an affair.
The affair was exposed when Courser tried to force a staffer to send an anonymous email accusing Courser of being caught having gay sex behind a Lansing nightclub, as a way of "inoculating" himself against a merely heterosexual scandal. Courser also claimed to have received blackmail texts, from a phone bought by a person named "Todd Courser". His cunning plan did not work, instead resulting in his resignation and her expulsion from the House.
Gamrat then announced that she would run in the special election to replace herself, which led to an editorial titled "On expelled Rep. Cindy Gamrat's re-election bid", published as the joint opinion of the Grand Rapids Press and Kalamazoo Gazette editorial boards, whose newspaper coverage areas include the 80th District. It is, in its entirety, the word "No."
(Only slightly less good is John Oliver's take on the subject.)
((This may sound familiar to Minnesotans, but Courser and Gamrat had the sense to go to hotels instead of parks.))
The affair was exposed when Courser tried to force a staffer to send an anonymous email accusing Courser of being caught having gay sex behind a Lansing nightclub, as a way of "inoculating" himself against a merely heterosexual scandal. Courser also claimed to have received blackmail texts, from a phone bought by a person named "Todd Courser". His cunning plan did not work, instead resulting in his resignation and her expulsion from the House.
Gamrat then announced that she would run in the special election to replace herself, which led to an editorial titled "On expelled Rep. Cindy Gamrat's re-election bid", published as the joint opinion of the Grand Rapids Press and Kalamazoo Gazette editorial boards, whose newspaper coverage areas include the 80th District. It is, in its entirety, the word "No."
(Only slightly less good is John Oliver's take on the subject.)
((This may sound familiar to Minnesotans, but Courser and Gamrat had the sense to go to hotels instead of parks.))
Worst screenplay ever.
posted by echocollate at 7:51 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by echocollate at 7:51 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
The John Oliver bit points out that he (Courser) has done this before, having previously accused himself of being a child molester....
posted by thefoxgod at 7:57 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by thefoxgod at 7:57 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
ha ha gross ha ha
posted by boo_radley at 7:58 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by boo_radley at 7:58 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I look forward to the day in the far, far future when the Republicans are bold enough to expand their definition of "Family" for "Family Values" to include all forms of consensual, adult relationships, so people like these two could have open relationships and it won't be a deal (yes, I know this was an affair, thus indicating nothing was "open" about it, but I'm looking to the future).
Until then, may their political careers die in a public bonfire, and may everyone become a little more critical about anyone who froths about the dangers of "non-traditional relationships" destroying the eternal* institution of marriage.
* Yes, I know the idea of heterosexual marriages are not a universal tradition.
posted by filthy light thief at 8:02 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Until then, may their political careers die in a public bonfire, and may everyone become a little more critical about anyone who froths about the dangers of "non-traditional relationships" destroying the eternal* institution of marriage.
* Yes, I know the idea of heterosexual marriages are not a universal tradition.
posted by filthy light thief at 8:02 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Why is it that folks never. fucking. learn. with these traditional values types? Every time it's a big surprise that these assholes are hypocrites. Republican voters have the memories of fucking goldfish.
posted by leotrotsky at 8:06 PM on September 17, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by leotrotsky at 8:06 PM on September 17, 2015 [9 favorites]
Every instance of this hypocritical behavior is like a tonic to sooth a weary soul.
More please!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:07 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
More please!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:07 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
By Tea Party standards, Humbert Humbert would be a Family Values candidate.
Republican voters have the memories of fucking goldfish.
No, just a majority of them are as hypocritical as their leaders.
posted by oneswellfoop at 8:08 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
Republican voters have the memories of fucking goldfish.
No, just a majority of them are as hypocritical as their leaders.
posted by oneswellfoop at 8:08 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
Michigan abounds with these types of idiots (Yeah, I'm sure your state does too... but I like to believe that other states are populated by real people, don't deflate that balloon, I need to believe there will be someplace for me to go when the mitten implodes in stupidity). I love this place, the lakes, the woods, even the god-awful winters..I've lived here (other than a couple of breaks for military service) for nearly 70 years now... But these idiots are going to drive me out eventually..
I hate everything about these two, but..I have to admit, I love saying Gamrat's name....
posted by HuronBob at 8:10 PM on September 17, 2015 [11 favorites]
I hate everything about these two, but..I have to admit, I love saying Gamrat's name....
posted by HuronBob at 8:10 PM on September 17, 2015 [11 favorites]
Best screenplay ever!
posted by mochapickle at 8:10 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by mochapickle at 8:10 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Well Bob, you can safely boat in Lapeer.
And your all welcome;)
posted by clavdivs at 8:14 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
And your all welcome;)
posted by clavdivs at 8:14 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
Is there water in Lapeer? That strip from flint to the tip of the thumb seems pretty dry!
posted by HuronBob at 8:31 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by HuronBob at 8:31 PM on September 17, 2015
VP material if I ever saw it.
posted by srboisvert at 8:36 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by srboisvert at 8:36 PM on September 17, 2015
So when's he announcing for 2016?
posted by adept256 at 8:44 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by adept256 at 8:44 PM on September 17, 2015 [3 favorites]
I would also like to link this comment from last month because it is so so relevant.
posted by adept256 at 8:48 PM on September 17, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by adept256 at 8:48 PM on September 17, 2015 [5 favorites]
I'm trying to get s buddy to run for Todds' seat, but he doesn't do Koch.
There are 85 lakes in Lapeer, no. 52 "no name" is my favorite. Yeah, nothing bigger the 360 acres.
posted by clavdivs at 8:55 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
There are 85 lakes in Lapeer, no. 52 "no name" is my favorite. Yeah, nothing bigger the 360 acres.
posted by clavdivs at 8:55 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
>>Republican voters have the memories of fucking goldfish.
>No, just a majority of them are as hypocritical as their leaders.
Also, the fall and redemption is a major part of their world view.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 9:01 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
>No, just a majority of them are as hypocritical as their leaders.
Also, the fall and redemption is a major part of their world view.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 9:01 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also, the fall and redemption is a major part of their world view.
And bonus points if they figger you piss off them liberals.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 9:09 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
And bonus points if they figger you piss off them liberals.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 9:09 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Paging Coen brothers....
posted by benzenedream at 10:01 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by benzenedream at 10:01 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Us libruls aren't pissed off by this, we find it hiiiiiiiiiilarious.
posted by axiom at 10:14 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by axiom at 10:14 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
Okay. I flagged this as "Other" because it's not nice to point and laugh. But God damn.
I just don't understand all the shenanigans our leaders get up to. You're smart enough and ambitious enough and everything else enough to get yourself all the way up there. And then this. I'll never get it.
posted by notyou at 10:41 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
I just don't understand all the shenanigans our leaders get up to. You're smart enough and ambitious enough and everything else enough to get yourself all the way up there. And then this. I'll never get it.
posted by notyou at 10:41 PM on September 17, 2015 [1 favorite]
As a resident of the greater Lansing area, I am glad for this post, since I would not otherwise have seen the John Oliver piece, and I enjoyed my state being laughed at.
I was amused by the "prominent Lansing nightclub." We have nightclubs? Prominent ones? Which of our two gay bars was he behind, I wonder? Actually, given that they are both on the same short block of Clinton St, a street so short that they occupy the only two buildings on it, I suppose it's possible he was behind both of them.
Also, I'm with Huron Bob: Gamrat. Gam-rat. Gamrat. It's fun to say.
posted by not that girl at 11:28 PM on September 17, 2015 [5 favorites]
I was amused by the "prominent Lansing nightclub." We have nightclubs? Prominent ones? Which of our two gay bars was he behind, I wonder? Actually, given that they are both on the same short block of Clinton St, a street so short that they occupy the only two buildings on it, I suppose it's possible he was behind both of them.
Also, I'm with Huron Bob: Gamrat. Gam-rat. Gamrat. It's fun to say.
posted by not that girl at 11:28 PM on September 17, 2015 [5 favorites]
This story, and even some of the individual comments in this thread are giving me tremendous déjà vu, which probably says something.
posted by imabanana at 11:39 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by imabanana at 11:39 PM on September 17, 2015
Gamrat? Boy, yet another new Pokemon
posted by fallingbadgers at 12:46 AM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by fallingbadgers at 12:46 AM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm getting really sick of guys named Todd. It's a goofy fucking name, OK? Hi, what's your name? Todd. I'm Todd. And this is Blake, and Blaire and Blaine and Brent. Where all these goofy fucking boys names coming from?! Taylor, Tyler, Jordan, Flynn. These are not real names! You want to hear a real name? Eddie. Eddie is a real name, whatever happened to Eddie, he was here a minute ago.
posted by brokkr at 2:04 AM on September 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by brokkr at 2:04 AM on September 18, 2015 [8 favorites]
You know, as I see it, this hides excellent news: it is now more socially acceptable to be gay/bi and have sex with prostitutes than to have an affair, even amongst the most conservative types. Not in a hush-hush, only-the-inner-circle-must-know way, but even thrown out there in the open to all voters. That's got to bring a big warm smile on all equal rights campaigners (and sex workers' rights campaigners).
posted by Spanner Nic at 3:26 AM on September 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Spanner Nic at 3:26 AM on September 18, 2015 [3 favorites]
I found this video to be really interesting. Watch all the way to the end to see Courser's attempt to get fellow representatives to pray with/for him.
posted by Mouse Army at 3:46 AM on September 18, 2015
posted by Mouse Army at 3:46 AM on September 18, 2015
If it weren't for a half-dozen counties in the SE of the state, Michigan would be WI, KS, NC etc.
posted by klarck at 4:50 AM on September 18, 2015
posted by klarck at 4:50 AM on September 18, 2015
Okay. I flagged this as "Other" because it's not nice to point and laugh. But God damn.
I started this FPP about a half-dozen times over the course of the revelations and investigations and calls for resignations and whatnot, but never pulled the trigger for just that reason. But when Gamrat had the stones to file for the seat again and the local papers published that response, I just had to draw attention to it.
posted by Etrigan at 5:45 AM on September 18, 2015 [12 favorites]
I started this FPP about a half-dozen times over the course of the revelations and investigations and calls for resignations and whatnot, but never pulled the trigger for just that reason. But when Gamrat had the stones to file for the seat again and the local papers published that response, I just had to draw attention to it.
posted by Etrigan at 5:45 AM on September 18, 2015 [12 favorites]
No, just a majority of them are as hypocritical as their leaders.
They Just. Don't. Care. about any of the so-called "values" they claim to espouse other than tribal loyalty to "conservatism" (which a blog commenter who goes by the handle "cleek" defined accurately as the opposite of whatever liberals advocate, updated daily"). The fact that Gamrat didn't hesitate to run again for a position her own party booted her out of, secure in the expectation that her constituents would not hold her affair, her dishonesty or her hypocrisy against her -- proves it.
The persistence of many in the political arena, Democrats and journalists alike, in pretending that many movement conservatives operate in anything resembling good faith is nearly as destructive to American democracy as the odious policies pushed by Republicans.
posted by Gelatin at 5:58 AM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
They Just. Don't. Care. about any of the so-called "values" they claim to espouse other than tribal loyalty to "conservatism" (which a blog commenter who goes by the handle "cleek" defined accurately as the opposite of whatever liberals advocate, updated daily"). The fact that Gamrat didn't hesitate to run again for a position her own party booted her out of, secure in the expectation that her constituents would not hold her affair, her dishonesty or her hypocrisy against her -- proves it.
The persistence of many in the political arena, Democrats and journalists alike, in pretending that many movement conservatives operate in anything resembling good faith is nearly as destructive to American democracy as the odious policies pushed by Republicans.
posted by Gelatin at 5:58 AM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Todd . . . Blake, and Blaire and Blaine and Brent. Where all these goofy fucking boys names coming from?! Taylor, Tyler, Jordan, Flynn. These are not real names! You want to hear a real name? Eddie. Eddie is a real name, whatever happened to Eddie, he was here a minute ago.
That's enough, Eddie.*
_______________________
* This gag brotchabye reruns of the Dick Van Dyke Show. Reruns: It's what's for dinner.
posted by Herodios at 7:10 AM on September 18, 2015
That's enough, Eddie.*
_______________________
* This gag brotchabye reruns of the Dick Van Dyke Show. Reruns: It's what's for dinner.
posted by Herodios at 7:10 AM on September 18, 2015
State legislators can kick other state legislators out of the state legislature? I don't like that. If the voters put someone there, it should be up to their constituents to take them back out.
posted by Galaxor Nebulon at 8:39 AM on September 18, 2015
posted by Galaxor Nebulon at 8:39 AM on September 18, 2015
The Detroit Fox station's morning news said that Courser was talking with his family about whether he should run for his own seat again. So, his family matters now? Interesting.
posted by getawaysticks at 9:19 AM on September 18, 2015
posted by getawaysticks at 9:19 AM on September 18, 2015
Courser has announced he WILL be running for the seat he just resigned from...he has permission from his wife.... What a fucking idiot.
posted by HuronBob at 9:41 AM on September 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by HuronBob at 9:41 AM on September 18, 2015 [2 favorites]
State legislators can kick other state legislators out of the state legislature? I don't like that. If the voters put someone there, it should be up to their constituents to take them back out.
The justification for this is that there is no timely mechanism for their constituents to do so. In Michigan, the recall procedure is:
So there's also a mechanism for the legislature to do it much more quickly for egregious violations, and they take it pretty seriously. Gamrat was only the third member of the State House to ever be expelled, and the other two were because of embezzlement (from a client of his law firm) and attempted bribery of other legislators.
posted by Etrigan at 9:49 AM on September 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
The justification for this is that there is no timely mechanism for their constituents to do so. In Michigan, the recall procedure is:
- Register recall petition with county clerk.
- Hold hearing 10-20 days after petition is filed.
- Gather signatures equal to 25 percent of the voters in the gubernatorial race in that district (~7,500 signatures) within 60 days.
- Submit petition with signatures to Secretary of State.
- Election must be scheduled within 95 days of petition being submitted to SoS (verification and challenge of signatures happens within this time).
So there's also a mechanism for the legislature to do it much more quickly for egregious violations, and they take it pretty seriously. Gamrat was only the third member of the State House to ever be expelled, and the other two were because of embezzlement (from a client of his law firm) and attempted bribery of other legislators.
posted by Etrigan at 9:49 AM on September 18, 2015 [4 favorites]
HuronBob, which one is the idiot, Courser or his wife?
Better question: Why is his wife still around? He had an affair. Like, with another woman. Are Tea Partiers all like Quiverfulls, and don't do that divorce thing?
posted by lhauser at 4:31 PM on September 18, 2015
Better question: Why is his wife still around? He had an affair. Like, with another woman. Are Tea Partiers all like Quiverfulls, and don't do that divorce thing?
posted by lhauser at 4:31 PM on September 18, 2015
Courser has announced he WILL be running for the seat he just resigned from...he has permission from his wife.... What a fucking idiot.
Of course he has permission from his wife. According to her Christian Republican values she must Stand By Her Man.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 4:37 PM on September 18, 2015
Odd, Michigan has a history of baddy politicans re-running for their old seat. I suspect it's the money and the slim chance he might win. But both are running?
"Are Tea Partiers all like Quiverfulls, and don't do that divorce thing?"
Ask Hiliary.
posted by clavdivs at 5:20 PM on September 18, 2015
"Are Tea Partiers all like Quiverfulls, and don't do that divorce thing?"
Ask Hiliary.
posted by clavdivs at 5:20 PM on September 18, 2015
You read too much Ayn Rand on the couch, one thing leads to another, sooner or later it's Reardon metal time.
posted by benzenedream at 6:01 PM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by benzenedream at 6:01 PM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
The Detroit Fox station's morning news said that Courser was talking with his family about whether he should run for his own seat again. So, his family matters now? Interesting.
He reports that his wife said "Yes, Run!".
I believe he may have misinterpreted that directive, however.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 6:02 PM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
He reports that his wife said "Yes, Run!".
I believe he may have misinterpreted that directive, however.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 6:02 PM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
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