An embattled Michigan lawmaker who tried to cover up his extramarital affair with another socially conservative legislator says he's sorry and a censure would give him a chance to restore his dignity and rebuild the public's trust.
Republican Rep. Todd Courser began testifying Wednesday before a House committee considering a recommendation from the chamber's top lawyer that he be expelled. Courser instead is seeking a censure, which would limit his work but let him stay in the position.
Courser apologized for sending a false email that claimed he was having sex with a male prostitute - an effort to make his relationship with Republican Rep. Cindy Gamrat less believable if it were exposed by an anonymous blackmailer.
He told the panel his actions were a "tremendous failure" and the "steps of a desperate person." He said he wanted to "die" at the time he talked with an aide about the email plot.
Michigan lawmaker seeks to 'restore dignity'
