Michigan state Rep. Larry Inman (R) has been indicted for allegedly seeking out campaign contributions from unions in exchange for a pro-union vote.
The Detroit Free Press reported on Wednesday that the lawmaker has been charged with attempted extortion, soliciting a bribe and lying to the FBI.
According to the indictment, Inman texted a union representative asking for campaign contributions for himself and several other Republicans who could potentially vote “no” on a measure that would repeal a wage law that requires union wage rates on most public projects.
“I would suggest maxing them out on all 12, or at least doubling what you have given them,” he allegedly texted, suggesting that the contributions reach the maximum under the state’s contribution law.
“We never had this discussion,” he also texted.
Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R) removed Inman from his committee seats and called for him to resign.
Chatfield told reporters on Wednesday that the text was “completely out of line and is not in the spirit of what the people of this state deserve in their representation.”
However, Inman insists that he’s innocent.
“I have never compromised the integrity of my vote. I have always represented my constituency honestly and legally. I intend on vigorously fighting these charges and defending my reputation,” he said in a statement to the Free Press.
Inman also refuses to resign.
