State Sen. Virgil Smith and his woes

Democrat Sen. Virgil Smith's
mug shot

Detroit Democratic Sen. Virgil Smith made the headlines several weeks ago when his ex-wife came to his door while his girlfriend was in his bed, and he responded by firing a weapon at her 2015 Mercedes Benz, striking it and causing damage. Luckily, nobody was hurt by the Senator. 

You can go here to read more about this case.

Smith is facing a probably cause hearing on Friday before Judge Michael Wagner of the 36th District (no relation to the Hitler-loving composer Richard Wagner). There will be a preliminary examination on May 29th on the felony charges of malicious destruction of property over $20,000, felonious assault and using a firearm during the commission of a felony.

No big deal--the guy's a senator and he's black. Obama will handle it

Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, (R-West Olive) said that Smith ought to think about resigning his seat, and some Democratic leaders concur. However, members of the legislative Black Caucus have offered their support to Smith because like them, he too is black and a Democrat, and said lawmakers should not be in such a hurry to remove Smith from the Legislature.

Smith refuses to resign but he has been removed from his committee assignment and his job as minority whip in the Senate. (Imagine if he was chairing the "Gun Control Oversight Committee.)

The Senate can hold hearing to expel Smith from the Senate, much like they did in 2001 when they voted to remove former Sen. Dave Jaye, a Republican representing Macomb County. Like Smith's incident, the Jaye incident involved domestic violence. But no shots  were fired by Jaye and it involved his then fiance's 3 drunk driving arrests and her reportedly abusive behavior towards Senate staff. In the Smith case, he was the perp, not his girlfriend.

As it now stands, Smith refuses to talk to the media and his Senate website has been taken down and replaced with the message:

 "Senator Virgil Smith's office will continue to be open and available to assist constituents of the 4th Senate district. If you need any assistance, please call 517-373-7918 or email senvsmith@senate.michigan.gov."

Of course, nobody answers that number and it takes you straight to voicemail as Smith's office remains locked.

Is any politician ever straight with the people?



Tweet