Former state lawmaker wants court to revive lawsuit

LANSING (AP) — A former Michigan lawmaker who was expelled from office amid a sex scandal is asking a court to reconsider her lawsuit against the Michigan House, legislators and staff.

Cindy Gamrat, a Republican from Allegan County, filed a motion for reconsideration on April 12, after a federal judge dismissed her claims against government officials last month, the Holland Sentinel reported.

The former lawmaker alleged malicious prosecution, stalking, wiretapping and breach of contract in the lawsuit filed last year.

Gamrat and former legislator Todd Courser were involved in an extramarital affair in 2015, resulting in Gamrat’s removal from office and Courser’s resignation.

Gamrat’s new motion alleges the court failed to address her claim that she was treated unfairly during the investigation and hearings that led to her removal.

The motion claims that “newly discovered evidence is being revealed every day in Todd Courser’s criminal case that supports Gamrat’s
wiretapping, eavesdropping, stalking and conspiracy claims,” according to court documents.

Courser faces criminal proceedings for allegations of perjury in Ingham County and misconduct in Lapeer County. He’s accused of lying under oath during a legislative hearing about misconduct.

In her original lawsuit, Gamrat sought back pay as well as money for distress and humiliation.

The suit was filed in April 2017 against the state House of Representatives, ex-husband Joe Gamrat, former aides, former Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter and Cotter’s chief of staff Brock Swartzle, among others.

Gamrat said she had struck a deal to be censured, not removed from office.

She also accused her ex-husband of using listening devices to try and catch her and Courser in the affair. The lawsuit’s claims against Joe Gamrat will continue.

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