Representative Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc) became the first Michigan lawmaker to be removed from office in a recall election in nearly 30 years after Grand Blanc voters supported the recall effort by around 200 more votes than those opposed. Two Democratic state senators were recalled in 1983 for voting to raise the state’s income tax.
Mr. Scott reportedly stated that evening that he would not seek a recount, accepting the results of the election. Wednesday, the House Education Committee hearing was cancelled when Mr. Scott, the panel’s now former Chair, indicated he would not be returning to Lansing for committee hearings or session.
The Michigan Education Association targeted Mr. Scott as the lead of the Republican Party’s agenda on education, expending considerably financial and other political resources to oust the second-term state representative.
Reaction from GOP leadership throughout the week indicated their view that the narrow election did not represent a mandate and that the reform agenda would continue moving forward.