SOS & AG Say Banks Can't Run Again For House

(MIRS News)

Former Rep. Brian BANKS couldn't run for the vacant 1st District House seat he created even if he wanted to, according to the Attorney General and the Secretary of State's reading of the constitution.

The term limits amendment added in 1992 reads that nobody can be elected state representative more than three times. An exception is made if a person is filling a partial term that is less than half that of the full term.

"The remainder of his term is longer than one year so it would be counted as a fourth term and thus not be allowed," said Andrea BITELY, spokesperson for Attorney General Bill SCHUETTE.

Fred WOODHAMS of the Secretary of State's office concurred with Schuette's reading.

Banks, of Harper Woods, stepped down Feb. 6 as part of a plea deal that had him pleading guilty to a misdemeanor connected to his submission of forged pay stubs when applying for a $7,500 loan application six years ago (See "Banks Resigns, Pleads Guilty To 1 Charge In Exchange For Minimal Jail Time," 2/6/17). 

Since the resignation, Banks has made his future plans ambiguous, but did tell WDIV-TV that "You've not seen the last of Brian BANKS" (See "Banks Moves On To New Political Ambitions," 2/8/17). He's also scheduled a March 6 fundraiser for his political action committee. 

Regardless of the Banks situation, the House Elections and Ethics Committee is holding a hearing Thursday that would prevent legislators for running for the remainder of the unexpired term they created through removal or resignation.

 HB 4208, sponsored by Rep. Aaron MILLER (R-Sturgis), the chair of the committee, may be more in reaction to former Reps. Cindy GAMRAT and Todd COURSER, who were kicked out of the House for their own shenanigans.

If Banks were to run and the Secretary of State allowed him to be on the ballot for a special election, Mike NORRIS, the campaign manager for Pamela SOSSI, said they plan on filing a lawsuit.

Speaker Divvies Up Banks' Committee Assignments
Replacement members were announced for all of former Rep. Brian BANKS' committee assignments today. Rep. Tim GREIMEL (D-Auburn Hills) will become the ranking member on the House Insurance Committee. Rep. Abdullah HAMMOUD (D-Dearborn) also joins the insurance committee.

Rep. Jeremy MOSS (D-Southfield) is joining the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, according to House Speaker Tom LEONARD (R-DeWitt), and Rep. Terry SABO (D-Muskegon Heights) will be on the House Transportation Committee.

"I worked with Leader (Sam) SINGH (D-East Lansing) to come up with new committee assignments that best match the interests and expertise of the representatives involved, as well as give the people of Michigan a full team to examine each of these important issues.

"We will not allow the scandals and resignation of former Rep. Banks to hold back the people's business."