Republicans Keep 2 Michigan House Seats After Sex Scandal

PLAINWELL (AP) - Republicans have claimed victory in special elections to fill two House seats after two other Republicans were forced out of office in a sex scandal.

In Allegan County, Mary Whiteford had no trouble defeating two candidates Tuesday. In Lapeer County, Gary Howell was far ahead of two opponents.

Whiteford will get the seat formerly held by Cindy Gamrat of Plainwell, who was expelled from the House last year for trying to cover up an affair with Todd Courser of Lapeer. Howell will take Courser's seat.

Courser resigned. He and Gamrat tried to regain their jobs but were defeated in a special primary election.

In Grand Rapids, Democrat David LaGrand won a House seat that was held by Brandon Dillon, who quit to become chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party.