State Rep. Larry Inman (R-MI): Today’s “Public Official” Misfit Award Winner

On or about May 15, 2019, Larry was arrested after a federal grand jury accused him of trying to sell his vote on a measure to repeal Michigan’s prevailing wage law. (Paul Egan and Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press)

Larry has been charged with attempted extortion, soliciting a bribe and lying to the FBI. If convicted, Larry faces up to 20 years in a federal prison.

The grand jury indictment states that Larry sent out text messages attempting to garner contributions to his reelection campaign committee from various unions in return for his “no vote on pending legislation to repeal Michigan’s prevailing wage law. Because he only one his last election by 700 votes over his Democratic opponent, Larry was in desperate need of an infusion of cash and apparently didn’t much give a damn how he obtained it.

In a lame attempt at levity, Larry refused to resign and stated:

• "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.”

If Larry was interested in telling the truth or a semblance thereof, he would have said:

• “I have always comprised the integrity of my vote when the price was right.”
• “I have always represented my constituency dishonestly and illegally.”
• “I intend on making the best deal I can to limit the amount of time I’ll have to spend in Leavenworth.”

As we speak (ca. May 2019), Larry continues to sit as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives.