Rep. Todd Courser asks for censure for role in affair

One day after Cindy Gamrat threw herself at the mercy of the Michigan House of Representatives, Representative Todd Courser took his turn in the hot seat and asked for forgiveness.

Courser testified in front of the special committee on Wednesday, asking for redemption and hoping to avoid being kicked out of the House of Representatives.

On Tuesday, Gamrat apologized and asked for a censure instead of expulsion, all with Courser in the audience listening. Wednesday, the roles were reversed with Courser pleading for forgiveness.

"I offer today my most humble apology," Courser said. "And I would accept a censure from the select committtee."

Courser is charged with misconduct in office and the misuse of state tax dollars for politicalpurposes.  He pleaded guilty.

Courser admitted to the acts and that what he did was both deceitful and dishonest. But having made that confession, he told the committee that some of his behavbior was that of a despeate person.

"I look back at the events and I do not reconize that person," Courser said. "Those were the actions of a desparate person."

But Ed McBroom, the committee chair, wondered if he could believe Mr. Courser.

"We see a long pattern here of dihonesty. How do we know this is not another attempt at disdriecton?" McBroom asked.

Courser simply said he could be trusted.

It's unclear when the committee will decide the fate of Gamrat and Courser.