LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A Michigan lawmaker has returned to session for the first time in months after being charged with trading votes for campaign cash.
Rep. Larry Inman, from Williamsburg near Traverse City, was back on the House floor Tuesday, days after his colleagues formally voted to call for his resignation.
The Republican says he recently completed 11 weeks of treatment for an addiction to painkillers stemming from having five surgeries over a two-year period, and now "my brain is clear."
Inman was accused in a federal indictment last spring of urging a union to gather campaign contributions from other labor groups to ensure legislators would block a repeal of Michigan's prevailing wage law.
Inman, however, denied any wrongdoing, saying his text messages were misinterpreted, adding: "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."
He maintaines he did "nothing wrong" saying that he should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Inman can no longer get into his Lansing office, and his staff now reports to the House Business Office. He also has been barred from sitting on committees or participating in Republican caucus meetings.
