Partisanship Colors Depictions Of Banks' Legacy In House; Rivals Eye Open Seat

(MIRS News)

After Rep. Brian BANKS' resignation became public this afternoon, Democrats largely praised the now-former House member's record while Republicans and political rivals cast it as tumultuous.

House Minority Leader Rep. Sam SINGH (D-East Lansing) said he respected Banks' "decision to resign," and offered his best wishes, calling the now-former representative a "passionate advocate for his district" who "worked tirelessly for his constituents."

910-AM radio host and political consultant Steve HOOD, a longtime booster of Banks', offered similar praise for a man who first won election in 2012 despite having eight felonies on his record.

"I took him in during his first campaign knowing about his past. At that time, he promised that he would be the best and hardest-working state rep. in Lansing if he were elected," Hood said. "He lived up to that pledge and it's a shame to see his future curtailed by his past. I fear for the future of insurance reform without him in the House."

House Speaker Rep. Tom LEONARD (R-DeWitt), by contrast, said Banks "had one legal issue after another during his time in public office," but did not address his work as a legislator.

"I am glad to see he is finally taking responsibility for his actions, and hopefully today's plea agreement provides the fresh start he needs," Leonard said.

He pledged to work with Singh to keep Banks' district office open until his seat is filled.

"We will not allow the people of this community to lose access to state government because of this situation and the poor decisions made by former Rep. Banks,” he said.

Attorney General Bill SCHUETTE issued a statement essentially condemning Banks' actions.

“As an elected official, you carry a higher burden of responsibility and are expected to act as a role model in your community,” said Schuette. “Former Representative Banks violated the trust placed in him by his neighbors and constituents.”

Banks' former political rivals also moved in quickly. Pamela SOSSI, one of his five democratic primary rivals last summer, announced through a lengthy statement issued a little more than two hours after his resignation that she intends to run in the inevitable special election to fill the seat.

She said Banks' constituents "were ignored" by him, and now had the opportunity to vote for "a new representative who will stand up for the people of District 1 and stand up to the Lansing elite," with the implication that she is that candidate.

Mike NORRIS, Sossi's campaign manager, said they intended tomorrow to file to run in the district in 2018, to evidently pave the way for a special election bid.

The 1st District's Republican nominee in 2016, William BROMAN, reiterated in a statement that his opponent should have dropped out before the election. Banks defeated him with 68 percent of the vote.

"Detroiters deserve a representative who will fight for them everyday to tackle the issues plaguing the district from 48205 to Lakeshore Drive," he said.

Broman said he was mulling over a bid in the special election, but would have to take it up with his family first.